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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
600.00 ft (182.88 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.20 mi (3.54 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Saint Perpetua Trail connects the visitor's center with the stunning ocean viewpoint at Cape Perpetua. Most people drive the road up to the viewpoint, but you can earn your views by hiking up this scenic footpath. 

The trail passes by the Cape Perpetua Campground and ascends by way of several switchbacks up to the viewpoint. The old-growth forest is lush with sword fern and salal growing beneath towering spruce trees. As the trail nears the top, the forest gives way to broad meadows and glimpses of the ocean. On a clear day, the view from Cape Perpetua is often regarded as one of the best views on the Oregon Coast.

From the overlook, continue along the Whispering Spruce Trail to the West Shelter. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, the shelter briefly served as a lookout for the Coast Guard during World War II. Today it provides an excellent place to duck out of the weather or to watch for whales off the coast. Turn back to retrace your steps to the trailhead, or continue around the quiet, 0.3 mile loop before heading back down to your car. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Ocean views.

Cons

Busy viewpoint.

Trailhead Elevation

160.00 ft (48.77 m)

Features

Whale watching
Wildlife
Wildflowers

Location

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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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