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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
100.00 ft (30.48 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.00 mi (3.22 km)
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The Giant Spruce of Cape Perpetua is a truly amazing specimen of Sitka spruce. The 500 year-old tree is the return point for this 2-mile there-and-back hike along Cape Creek. It stands over 185 feet tall and has a circumference of over 40 feet. It was even taller until the Columbus Day storm of 1962, when winds in excess of 160 mph blew off the uppermost 35 feet of the tree.


The trail starts at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and follows the south side of Cape Creek. As you climb gently up the narrow valley, a number of large Sitka spruce line the trail. While these trees seem enormous, they appear more ordinary when compared to the Giant Spruce at the end of the trail.


The upper end of the trail is also accessible from Cape Perpetua Campground, which stretches along the northern side of Cape Creek and is visible for much of the hike. The hike is mostly easy, with only a few slightly technical sections. Be sure to stop and enjoy the view that extends up some of the tiny side creeks that flow in from the south as you make your way through the shady old-growth coastal forest that wraps Cape Creek in its timeless embrace.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Amazing Giant Spruce. Old-growth coastal forest.

Cons

Crowded in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

100.00 ft (30.48 m)

Features

Old-growth forest

Location

Comments

02/20/2010
Definitely a fun and short trail ideal for any visitor. Sad that so few of these old-growths are left, particularly along the coast where private land ownership has equated to massive swaths of clear cutting. But, as Heron mentions, this trail includes more than just one of these precious giants.
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A profound concept originally envisioned by governor Oswald West, in 1967 the Oregon legislature ultimately realized his vision of making the entire Oregon Coast forever open to the public in a piece of landmark legislation titled the Oregon Beach Bill, officially making all 363 miles public land. "The People's Coast" is truly a one-of-a-kind coastline, a unique blend of mountains and rocky stacks, towering old growth forests, marine sanctuaries, tide pools and kelp forests, charming towns, historic fishing communities, world-class golfing, breweries, and simply jaw-dropping scenic beaches. We encourage you to plan your next trip at visittheoregoncoast.com or by calling (541) 574-2679.

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