Hiking in Pacific City

There are many great hikes to take in and around Pacific City. It’s just a matter of choosing which one—better yet, do a new one each day. Head out on trails through magnificent forests or amble along an open trail. Bring binoculars for an up-close look at our coast wildlife. Some hikes are gentle and easy going, but if you’re the type who always likes a challenge, start out with the short but steep hike to the top of Cape Kiwanda. Your heart may be pounding, but the views are worth it.

+ Sitka Sedge Park

One of the newest parks in Oregon, this is an easy trail winding through a beautiful forest and along the Sandlake Estuary. The parking lot is just a few miles north of Cape Kiwanda on the west side of Cape Kiwanda Drive, also known as Sandlake Road at this point.

+ Cape Lookout State Park

Located about 20 miles north of Pacific City on Three Capes Scenic Loop, this is a 7-mile out and back trail which takes you through beautiful forest and ultimately out to an ocean viewpoint.

+ Cascade Head

Located 17 miles south of Pacific City, Cascade Head is a headland and 270-acre UNESCO biosphere reserve. The 6-mile Cascade Head Trail can be heavily trafficked at times and is rated as difficult.

+ Munson Creek Falls

Located off Hwy. 101 on the way north to Tillamook, Munson Creek Falls is a 319-foot, multi-tiered waterfall. Just over a half-mile hike out and back among an old-growth forest, the view is worth the 100’ of elevation gain.

+ Whalen Island

Approximately 5 miles north of Cape Kiwanda in the Clay Myers State Natural Area, this easy 1.5 mile loop meanders through grasslands, forest, dunes, beaches, and mudflats.

+ Netarts Spit

A 19-mile scenic drive via Cape Kiwanda Drive, Sandlake Road and Cape Lookout Road will bring you to Netarts Spit, a 5-mile long narrow stretch of sand and vegetation that helps form Netarts Bay. This moderate out-and-back hike is best done at low tide. There is a small day use fee.