8 great day hikes on the Oregon coast

“A scramble along the Oregon sea-bluffs proves as richly exciting to lovers of wild beauty as heart could wish.” – John Muir

The Oregon coast is often seen by car, and with a plethora of stunning views along U.S. Route 101, there’s not a single thing wrong with that. But the real beauty here is found on the trails, rugged and glorious along the thunderous Pacific Ocean, offering trips for long-distance travelers and day trippers alike.

Here are only eight of the endless expanse along our beautiful coastline.

1. CRESCENT BEACH

Nearest city: Cannon Beach

Distance: 3.6 miles, easy

Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach, is one of the best loved spots on the Oregon Coast, but for all the people that get out of their cars to take in the view, few actually put feet to sand and hike. Break the mold and take the 3.6-mile round-trip trek to Crescent Beach, but note the recent closures at Ecola Point.

2. CAPE PERPETUA

Nearest city: Yachats

Distance: 6.5 miles, moderate

Offering some of Oregon's best tide pools, with scenic vistas high above the coastline, old-growth forest, wildflower meadows, spouting horns, pocket beaches and lava rock formations, it's safe to say Cape Perpetua has a lot going for it. See it all on the 6.5-mile Cape Perpetua Hike, a true adventure on the Oregon coast.

3. FLORAS LAKE

Nearest city: Port Orford

Distance: 6 miles, easy

Located in one of the least crowded areas on the coast, the 6-mile hike at Floras Lake – nestled between Bandon and Port Orford – takes you around the coastal lake itself before breaking off south down the beach, under the shadow of the long line of cliffs leading up to Blacklock Point.

4. SADDLE MOUNTAIN

Nearest City: Seaside

Distance: 5.2 miles, moderate

Defy your instincts and head east, away from the Pacific Ocean to find Saddle Mountain, a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the northern coastline. Follow the paved path to the dirt trail in the forest – soon enough you'll emerge into a steep rocky meadow that fills with wildflowers come spring.

5. NEAHKAHNIE MOUNTAIN

Nearest city: Manzanita

Distance: 3 to 5 miles, moderate

There are a lot of ways to see the spectacular Oswald West State Park near Manzanita, but the best view comes from the top of Neah-kah-nie Mountain. Park at the either the North or South Neah-kah-nie Mountain Trailhead (the hike is two miles shorter from the south) and work your way east to the summit.

6. CAPE LOOKOUT

Nearest city: Oceanside/Netarts

Distance: 5 miles, moderate

Simply put, Cape Lookout is stunning. It offers a seagull's-eye view of the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime place to watch migrating whales come winter and spring. Take the 5-mile round-trip hike through lush, old-growth forest that emerges onto the tip of the cape for an easy afternoon adventure.

7. CASCADE HEAD

Nearest city: Lincoln City

Distance: 6.8 miles, moderate

Home to endangered plants and animals – as well as incredible views – Cascade Head is easily one of the very best hikes on the coast. Park at the lower trailhead for the 6.8-mile round-trip hike along the Nature Conservancy Trail, along land owned by the organization of the same name.

8. BAYOCEAN SPIT

Nearest city: Tillamook

Distance: 7.6 miles, moderate

Cape Meares is known as a popular tourist attraction, but its nearby neighbor to the north, Bayocean Spit is about as remote as you can get on the Oregon coast. Take the 7.6-mile hike to the tip of the spit and back, and you're almost guaranteed to be alone in the dunes that hold the ghosts of the doomed Bayocean Park, which developers hoped would become the "Atlantic City of the West."

YOUR GUIDE TO THE COAST

Check back in at oregonlive.com/travel as the season progresses. We’ll have much, much more information on some great Oregon coast adventures – like the best places to stay on the coast and great spots to watch whales – as well as treks all over the Pacific Northwest. Happy trails!