Best Oregon Coast Hikes | 15 Hiking Trails for an Epic Adventure

Can you imagine anything more appealing than sweeping views of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean or the dunes and lush forests along the coast? The chances are the so-called “People’s Coast” is one of the most stunning destinations in Oregon. What better way to experience it than on a hike?

Whether you’re looking for a simple stroll along the beach or a more moderate trek through Tillamook State Forest, hiking is one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast. The coast is packed with sights to see, so without wasting time, let’s jump into the 15 Best Oregon Coast Hikes. You’ll also get a few nifty tips and tricks along the way to help with your travel planning. 

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Northern Oregon Coast Hiking Trails 

To kickstart your hiking journey, you can start up north with places like Astoria, Sunset Beach, Cannon Beach, or the stunning Oswald West State Park, to name a few. Here are five fabulous hikes to conquer in the northern region.

1. Crescent Beach Trail from Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

• Mileage: 2.3 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 538 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

This trail is a nice medium-difficulty hike that takes you across the sandy shores of Cresent Beach with a lush forest of Sitka spruce and other species alongside it. It only takes one hour and 13 minutes to complete, so it won’t take up much of your day. 

This beach hike will allow you to view local wildlife, including the occasional sea birds, like pelicans and seagulls. Although, the best thing about this hike is the imposing sea stacks and rocks that peak out just off the shore. As a bonus, dogs are allowed to hike with you.

Read Next: The best way to experience a wide array of hikes is definitely by going on an Oregon road trip, so be sure to check this one out for some ideas.

2. Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach

• Mileage: 2.9 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 784 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

This loop trail is in the beautiful Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach. It’s open all year and takes you along sheltered forested paths and the shores of Indian Beach. While on the beach, you can see a lighthouse in the distance and the waves crashing on the rocks, which makes for epic photo opportunities. 

Your hike begins and ends at the parking lot next to the beach and continues toward the dense forest. The trail is partially paved and easier to traverse, but it will take around one hour and 39 minutes to finish. However, trekking in wet conditions isn’t the easiest, so keep that in mind.

3. Hug Point Trail

• Mileage: 0.7 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 49 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

The Hug Point trail is one of the easier ones on the list, only taking about 15 minutes, so it’s great for the whole family, including children. The short route meanders along the seaside and eventually takes you through sea caves, making it a more unique experience.

Once you pass through the sea cave, you’ll be greeted with a small waterfall, rocky tide pools, and stunning views of Hug Point’s natural beauty. It’s also a real kicker if you try it out around sunset.

4. Cannon Beach 

• Mileage: 2.8 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 16 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

Cannon Beach is one of the more well-known and visited locations in Tolovana Park. This hike will take you about 49 minutes, but save some extra time just to stop, relax, and enjoy the serenity of the ocean. Because it’s so flat, it’s suitable for biking, running, and simple strolls.

Walking along the shore, you’ll spot birds and sealife in the tide pools, including colorful coral and mussels galore. The large rocks peeking out of the water are impressive. All in all, nothing beats the simple panoramic views of the sea and coastal forest nearby.

5. Indian Beach Trail via Ecola State Park

• Mileage: 3.8 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 873 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

The last stop in the north is the Indian Beach Trail, which is just under four miles and will take two hours to complete. It’s a bit more challenging, but it’s certainly worth it when you take in the views of the coastal forest and the brilliant blue waters of the sea. 

The paths are partially paved, making it easier to trek and take you through more dense forests of Sitka spruce trees. While the sun beams through the trees, you might spot the occasional elk grazing among the vegetation.

Central Oregon Coast Hiking Trails 

Heading down toward the central Oregon Coast, you’ll find even more notable locations to visit on your treks. These include Newport, home to the iconic Devil’s Punchbowl, Yachats, or Cape Perpetua.  

6. North Loop and Drift Creek Falls Trail 

• Mileage: 3.5 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 600 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

The Drift Creek Falls trail is a must-try for another slightly more challenging trail loop. The scenery of Siuslaw National Forest is a marvel, and once you reach the end of your one-hour 38-minute journey, you’ll be greeted with a stunning waterfall. 

Along the trail, you’ll cross an impressive suspension bridge over the creek below, giving you a good view of the gushing waterfall below. The route is also pet-friendly and accessible to children, so it is perfect for a family outing.

7. Captain Cook Trail and Thor’s Well 

• Mileage: 0.6 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 98 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

If you find yourself in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the Caption Cook trail is a good choice, especially if you just want a casual walk with little difficulty. This walk will only take around 17 minutes, which leaves plenty of time to stop and admire the coastline.

The path is entirely paved and wheelchair-friendly, so everyone is welcome. The hike’s end goal is the incredible Thor’s Well, a sinkhole formation in the middle of the ocean water that drops into a seemingly bottomless pit. You can’t get too close since it’s dangerous, but it makes for impeccable photos.

8. Cape Cove Trail 

• Mileage: 1 mile (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 128 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

The idyllic Cape Cove trail is another banger in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, most easily accessible via the visitor center. Quick and easy, this walk passes alongside the beach and well-maintained pathways through the forest.

This hike is best experienced in spring or fall when the wildflowers and fall foliage are in full force. While the path is safe to traverse, watch for postage and general warning signs so you know which areas to avoid.

9. Oregon Coast Trail 

• Mileage: 2.6 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 361 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

This is only a section of the entire Oregon Coast Trail since the full trail extends around 425 miles and can take up to four weeks to complete (yikes). Don’t worry—it’s easy and will only take one hour and eight minutes. The trail is very popular for hiking, birding, and leisurely walks.

Keep note of the trail signs to explore different areas, but either way, you’ll experience the looming spruce trees, beautiful ocean views, and the occasional bridge crossing. The trail is extra pretty in the springtime when wildflowers start to bloom.

10. Heceta Lighthouse Trail

• Mileage: 1 mile (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 138 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

This trail takes you to the viewpoint of the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, from which you can view the sea stacks and nearby seal caves just below. It’s pretty straightforward, but it might still be challenging if you don’t do well with stairs. However, the view from up top is worth it.

With the seagulls squawking overhead and the waves crashing on the shore, the trek becomes a natural escape you’ll love. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the ocean and rolling, forested hills — an exceptional sight.

Southern Oregon Coast Hiking Trails

The southern region is your last stop along your journey, which boasts brilliant beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities, and more. Take a look at these five hikes to add to your to-do list.

11. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail

• Mileage: 0.6 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 59 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

This 15-minute walk will have hikers gasping for breath, not just from the trek itself. This route is in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, home to some of the most breathtaking views in Oregon. Natural Bridges takes you to a viewpoint overlooking imposing rock archways, with the seawater flowing through.

The magical scene does come with a fair warning, though. The surrounding areas and rocky terrain can be dangerous if you go off-path, but if you follow the signage, you’ll enjoy the views with no trouble.

12. Thomas Creek Whaleshead Beach Trail

• Mileage: 2.9 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 574 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

Getting its name from the uniquely shaped rock formations just off the shore, Whaleshead is an excellent, moderately challenging hike along the coastline. With a mixture of lush greenery from the forest and the waves crashing on the sand, this location is gorgeous.

The trail is easy to traverse because of how flat it is, so it’s suitable for family outings and dog walking, but it does take about one hour and 26 minutes to finish. Overall, it’s a picturesque spot, great for photos, and you won’t regret visiting.

13. Sunset Bay Beach Trail 

• Mileage: 0.5 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 10 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link 

Sunset Bay, aptly named, is a wonderful pick for a walk along sand dunes and the ocean. Surrounded by looming trees in the nearby forest that enclose the body of water, the bay becomes the perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset in action.

You’ll spot your typical sealife, like seagulls and crabs, but otherwise, it’s tranquil. It only takes nine minutes, so perhaps enjoy a picnic to spend some time after your walk. As a bonus, your doggo is allowed to join as well.

14. Rogue River Trail

• Mileage: 37.5 miles (point to point)
• Elevation Gain: 4,130 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link 

The Rogue River trail is the most challenging on the list, so fitness fanatics will love it! The scenic route typically takes over 15 hours, but give or take a few, depending on how often you want to take a break. Either way, the sense of accomplishment you feel after finishing it is unmatched.

The trail, used for hikes and backpacking, passes through sheltered forests and past caves, swimming holes, and serene creeks. The trail length means you’ll likely want to stop for the night, so take advantage of the campsites, like Beach Camp and the Bushy Bar Campground.

15. Secret Beach Trail 

• Mileage: 1.8 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 417 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link 

Last but certainly not least, we have the Secret Beach trail. As the name suggests, it isn’t as popular as some other trails, and that may just add to its character. You can walk along the dunes and sandy shore or through the forest to one of two viewpoints.

From the viewpoints, hikers will be greeted with sweeping views of large rock formations jutting out from the water below, creating an impressive and Instagram-worthy scene. That’s not even mentioning the small caves and the waterfall you’ll encounter. It’s definitely a must-visit.

Note: This trail is only accessible during low tide.

Oregon Coast Tours

Best Time to Go to the Oregon Coast 

Now, you need to decide the best time to visit. Each season has perks, depending on what you want from your trip, so it’s difficult to choose a time of year that suits everyone. But generally speaking, summer is best for the weather, and winter is best for fewer crowds.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each season.

Spring (March to May) 

Spring’s weather and gorgeous, colorful scenery make it perfect for hiking. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, but rainfall comes and goes. This is mainly in March and April, which leads to chilly days, but it warms up more in May. There also aren’t too many crowds compared to summer.

Summer (June to August)

Summer on the coast is the most popular time to visit, so you should expect most places to be busy. This makes sense, considering the fantastic warm weather and lack of rain. While this time is best for enjoying the outdoors, the increased traffic means higher prices and more people to contend with. 

Fall (September to November) 

The foliage alone is a reason to visit in the fall, boasting brilliant warm hues across the natural landscape. Some warm temperatures still linger from the end of summer, so hiking and visiting a state park or two is still on the cards. It does rain a little, but you will benefit from the fewer crowds. Remember, the beach gets very windy, which isn’t ideal.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the coldest and wettest time of the year, and it can sometimes be a bit too chilly to enjoy outdoor activities, but the lack of crowds means extremely marked-down prices. That said, if you enjoy winter backpacking, you can pack some winter hiking gear and get the most out of the quieter season. 

How to Get to the Oregon Coast 

The coast extends around 363 miles from the start of the Columbia River to the Oregon-California border, so how to get there depends on which parts you want to visit. The easiest and most direct way to get there is by plane. The best airports are the North Bend (OTH) Airport and Eugene Airport, both in the coast’s central region.

If you’re traveling from Portland, the alternative is to take a bus on one of the many routes available. Daily bus routes take you from Portland to Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Tillamook. You can try Pacific Crest Bus Lines or Greyhound bus services to get more price information.

Best Places to Stay on the Oregon Coast 

From luxury boutiques to simple campsites, here are a few noteworthy accommodation options for spending a few nights.

Budget | Surfside Resort, Rockaway Beach

Nestled on the gorgeous shores of Rockaway Beach and boasting ocean views, the Surfside Resort is the perfect budget escape for a traveler looking to unwind. The spacious rooms are comfy and equipped with full kitchen and bathroom facilities, fireplaces, and cable TV. You’ll also get free parking, which is a bonus.

The pet-friendly seaside accommodation has direct access to the beach, so you can take a dip whenever you like. There is also an indoor heated pool for colder days or evenings. It’s less than a mile from Manhatten Beach State Park and 12 miles from Nehalem Bay State Airport for extra convenience. >>>Check Availability.

Mid-Range | Surfland Hotel, Lincoln City 

For a mixture of comfort and modern elegance, you can’t go wrong with booking a room at Surfland Hotel in Lincoln City. The seaside hotel boasts expansive views from the comfort of the large and wonderfully decorated rooms. It is everything you need for a beachside escape, with direct access to the beach.

Each room has access to kitchen equipment, large, luxurious private bathrooms, and some with bars and fireplaces. If that isn’t enough, you can enjoy a heated pool and two saunas for the ultimate relaxation experience after a long day of exploring. The hotel is also near the Oceanlake shopping district and Devil’s Lake. >>>Check Availability.

Luxury | Hallmark Resort, Cannon Beach

The Hallmark Resort is the perfect spot to splurge on your trip. It’s the epitome of luxury, with incredible rooms decked out with large beds, large flatscreen TVs, and massive windows that open to the brilliant waters below. Everything from the bathrooms to the workspace and balcony screams extravagance.

Apart from the usual amenities, you can access the free-use parking lot, two indoor pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and a fitness center. The Elements by the Sea spa is also available to guests for a quick massage. Plus, you’ll get complementary bike and DVD rentals. What’s not to love? >>>Check Availability.

Camping on the Oregon Coast

There are plenty of camping options when traveling on the coast. Most campgrounds are found in state parks, and here are four top parks with well-equipped camping facilities to check out:

• Cape Lookout State Park
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• South Beach State Park
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Tips for Hiking on the Oregon Coast

Before you get going, here are some tips and tricks to make your hiking trip on the coast as seamless as possible.

• Get the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport: This pass costs $10 for a 5-day vehicle pass and $35 for an annual one. The Oregon Pacific Coast Passport covers the entry costs or day-use fees for several areas along the coastline, including national state parks and Siuslaw National Forest recreational areas. It’s a must for trying as many hiking trails as possible.

• Invest in waterproof boots: This is especially important when hiking in spring, fall, and winter, where rain and wet conditions are common. Even in the summer, some trails will take you along rivers and streams, so waterproof shoes are a good shout. These should also be extra grippy to avoid slipping and causing potential injuries.

• Stay hydrated: If you spend a lot of time hiking, you need to stay hydrated, and finding places to fill up can be challenging. So, invest in a large water bottle and refill it when you pass through small towns or designated water facilities.

• Keep track of the tides: Since many hiking trails are along beaches, you’ll want to know the tide levels before heading out. It’s a great idea to use Oregon tide charts for the areas you plan on visiting to prepare yourself, as some trails are only available during low tide. The last thing you want is to arrive at a closed-off trail during a high tide period.

• Have some form of navigation: The coast provides hikers with plenty of opportunities to go on extended hikes. If you plan on trying that, having a navigation system is essential. You can use Google Maps on your phone, a compass, trail guides, a GPS, or an old-school map, as long as you have some navigation aid.

What To Pack

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes by hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). Also, the trails on the coast are extremely muddy. >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent me from getting dehydrated while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny all year round, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. Clif Bars are great for hiking
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Mid Base Layer: If you are hiking in the winter, this might be a great idea. >Check Out My Sweater Here
16. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
17. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
18. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike in Oregon. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
19. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
20. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here

Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast | Wrapped Up

There you have it — the 15 best hikes on the Oregon Coast. These trails are perfect for anyone, from the brilliant Cannon Beach to the Rogue River trail and everything in between. All you need to do is lace up your hiking trainers and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. 

Read Next: Looking for some more fantastic hiking opportunities nearby? Try adding these Columbia River Gorge Hikes to your roster.

Pin For Later: Best Oregon Coast Hikes