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Difference between revisions of "Cape Falcon Hike"

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[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 
[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 
[[Category:Oregon Coast]]
 
[[Category:Oregon Coast]]
−
[[Category:State Parks]]
+
[[Category:Oregon State Parks]]
 
[[Category:Old Growth Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Old Growth Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Geologic Features]]
 
[[Category:Geologic Features]]
 
[[Category:Family Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Family Hikes]]
 +
[[Category:Crowded Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Easy Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Easy Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Hikes]]
  
−
[[Image:CapeFalcon1.jpg|thumb|400px|Neahkahnie Mountain from Cape Lookout ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:TKO put tools to trail here.png|400px|right]]
−
[[Image:CapeFalconCabbage.jpg|thumb|250px|Skunk Cabbage ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:CapeFalcon1.jpg|thumb|400px|Neahkahnie Mountain from Cape Falcon ''(Steve Hart)'']]
−
[[Image:BlumenthalFalls1.jpg|thumb|250px|Blumenthal Falls ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:Skunk-cabbage passage, Cape Falcon, Oswald West State Park.jpeg|thumb|250px|Skunk-cabbage passage on the Cape Falcon Trail, Oswald West State Park ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Short Sand Beach from Cape Falcon Trail, Oswald West State Park.jpeg|thumb|250px|Short Sand Beach from the Cape Falcon Trail ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides), Cape Falcon, Oswald West State Park.jpeg|thumb|250px|Woodland skipper ''(Ochlodes sylvanoides)'' on California aster, Cape Falcon ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Looking to the north point of Cape Falcon, Oswald West State Park.jpeg|thumb|250px|View to the north headland of Cape Falcon ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Massive spruce, Cape Falcon, Oswald West State Park.jpeg|thumb|160px|Big old-growth spruce forest, Cape Falcon Trail, Oswald West State Park ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:CapeFalconMap.png|thumb|500px|The trail route to Cape Falcon ''(bobcat)'' Courtesy: ''Caltopo'']]
  
 
{{Start point|Cape Falcon Trailhead}}  
 
{{Start point|Cape Falcon Trailhead}}  
 
* End point: [[Cape Falcon]]
 
* End point: [[Cape Falcon]]
−
* Trail Log: [[Cape Falcon Hike/Log | Trail Log]]
+
* Trail log: [[Cape Falcon Hike/Log | Trail Log]]
−
* Hike Type: Out and back
+
* Hike type: Out and back
 
{{Distance|4.8 miles}} round trip  
 
{{Distance|4.8 miles}} round trip  
 
{{Elevation gain|160 feet}}
 
{{Elevation gain|160 feet}}
 +
* High point: 250 feet
 
{{Difficulty|Easy}}
 
{{Difficulty|Easy}}
 
* Seasons: Year round
 
* Seasons: Year round
Line 26: Line 33:
  
 
=== Hike Description ===
 
=== Hike Description ===
−
This is a nice hike through a forest filled with huge spruce trees.
+
This is a short hike through a forest of huge Sitka spruce trees to a lava headland that offers views south to [[Neahkahnie Mountain]]. Hikers should note that this very popular section of the Oregon Coast Trail, while short, is highly eroded in many spots, with numerous twisted, exposed roots to negotiate. Much of the tread is muddy most of the year, so tennis shoes are not appropriate except perhaps mid-summer to early fall. Otherwise, wear sturdy footwear and proceed carefully!
  
−
Start at the [[Cape Falcon Trailhead]] on the Cape Falcon Trail. The trail slabs along the side of a forested ridge above Short Sands creek. Soon the highway noise is replaced by the sounds of small birds and wind in the trees. You'll come to a signed [[Oregon Coast-Cape Falcon South Trail Junction|trail junction]] at the half-mile mark. Turn right and follow the trail toward Cape Falcon.
+
Start at the [[Cape Falcon Trailhead]] on the Cape Falcon Trail. The trail runs along the side of a forested, sword fern-carpeted ridge above Short Sand Creek. Tall Sitka spruce and hemlock form the canopy. Soon the highway noise is replaced by the sounds of small birds and wind in the trees. You'll come to a signed [[Oregon Coast-Cape Falcon Trail South Junction|trail junction]] at the half-mile mark. Turn right, and follow the trail to continue towards [[Cape Falcon]]. (Some may wish to make a short detour down to [[Short Sand Beach]] or take this direction for a short loop on the way back.)
  
−
You're now on a scenic section of the Oregon Coast Trail. The trail is often muddy in the spring as it weaves through damp areas filled with Skunk Cabbage. There's a culvert over [[Kerwin Creek Crossing|Kerwin Creek]] and then more forest. Farther along there's a crossing over an unnamed creek. The trail here was relocated when a huge spruce blocked the path. Today's trail is a bit rough, but easily passable.
+
You're now on a scenic section of the Oregon Coast Trail. The trail is often muddy in the spring as it weaves through damp bottoms filled with skunk-cabbage. There's a very eroded culvert over [[Kerwin Creek Crossing|Kerwin Creek]] and then an ascent through more old-growth spruce forest with a dense understory of salal. Farther along, there's a crossing over an unnamed creek. The trail here was relocated when a huge spruce blocked the path. Today's trail is a little rough, but easily passable.
  
−
Soon after you begin to hear the ocean surf, you'll come to a large slide zone. A slanted cliff here marks the boundary between the area that slid into the sea. The trail drops about 60 feet to the low spot of the hike at Blumenthal Creek. Just passed this creek, there's a short side trail to a viewpoint of the upper tier of [[Blumenthal Falls]]. This tiny waterfall is very scenic as the water cascades down a basalt slope. The side trail is sketchy, but it goes to the base of the upper tier and the lip of the larger lower tier. From here the creek falls directly on to the rocky shoreline.  
+
Now, as you're rising again, you'll begin to hear the ocean surf. A slanted cliff of sedimentary deposits marks the boundary of a chunk of real estate that slid into the sea. The trail drops about 60 feet to the low spot of the hike at Blumenthal Creek. Just past this creek, there's a Danger sign across a sketchy descent to a viewpoint of the upper tier of [[Blumenthal Falls]]. <b>Do not take this dangerous trail.</b> (You can see the lower tier of [[Blumenthal Falls]], which runs dry in the summer anyway, from [[Short Sand Beach]].)
  
−
Back on the main trail, continue toward the end of [[Cape Falcon]]. The trail climbs through on switchback then weaves in and out of a couple of meadows completely filled with Salal. There's an obvious, if unsigned, [[Oregon Coast-Cape Falcon North Trail Junction|trail junction]] a bit further on. Take the left path and drop down into a small saddle. The trail from here has been cut from a jungle of salal. The area would be completely impassible without this constructed trail. The trail ends at a series of viewpoints. The view to the south includes [[Neahkahnie Mountain]] and the town of Manzanita.
+
Continuing on, the trail climbs through a couple of short switchbacks and offers views to [[Short Sand Beach]] and [[Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint|Neahkahnie Mountain]]. Exiting the forest, you'll reach an open area with a dense thicket of salal draped by vines of big root (wild cucumber). There's an obvious, if unsigned, [[Oregon Coast-Cape Falcon Trail North Junction|trail junction]] a little farther on.  
 +
 
 +
Take the left path, and drop down into a small saddle. The trail from here has been cut through a jungle of salal. The area would be completely impassible without this constructed trail. First, you'll reach a spectacular, shaded viewpoint with a view south to [[Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint|Neahkahnie Mountain]] and Nehalem Spit. A well-used social trail leads through a headland meadow where small butterflies and bumblebees are very active in the summer. This trail offers open views south but then begins a steep descent, unsuitable for either children or dogs, through wind-contorted spruce (if it's raining or very wet, no one should attempt this). You'll arrive on a knife-edged promontory of rock that forms [[Cape Falcon]]'s south headland. You can see north to the north headland and offshore rocks. Below, a tall rock spine ends at a maelstrom of crashing waves. Cormorants and pelicans ply the waters for sustenance.
  
−
Return the way you came.
 
  
 
=== Maps ===
 
=== Maps ===
 
{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.76171|longitude=-123.97973}}
 
{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.76171|longitude=-123.97973}}
 +
* [https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=_siteFiles%2Fpublications%2F43058_Oswald_West_Trail_Brochure_for_web051344.pdf  Oswald West State Park Trail Guide (Oregon State Parks)]
 +
* Green Trails Maps: ''Oregon Coast North #356SX''
 +
* Adventure Maps: ''NW Coast Trail Map & Guide''
  
 
=== Regulations or restrictions, etc ===
 
=== Regulations or restrictions, etc ===
−
* Trailhead parking lot is closed from 10PM-6AM
+
* Dogs on leash
 +
* Trailhead parking lot is closed from 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
  
 
{{TripReports|Cape Falcon}}
 
{{TripReports|Cape Falcon}}
 +
* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=29956  Cape Falcon (August 2)]
 +
* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=29457  Cape Falcon Trail 1/16/2021]
  
 
{{RelatedDiscussions|Cape Falcon}}
 
{{RelatedDiscussions|Cape Falcon}}
  
 
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
 
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
 +
* ''Oregon's Ancient Forests: A Hiking Guide'' by Chandra LeGue
 +
* ''60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland'' by Paul Gerald
 +
* ''25 Hikes on Oregon's Tillamook Coast'' by Adam Sawyer
 
* ''120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast'' by Bonnie Henderson
 
* ''120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast'' by Bonnie Henderson
 +
* ''Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon'' by Bonnie Henderson
 
* ''I Heart Oregon (& Washington)'' by Lisa D. Holmes
 
* ''I Heart Oregon (& Washington)'' by Lisa D. Holmes
 +
* ''Extraordinary Oregon!'' by Matt Reeder
 +
* ''PDX Hiking 365'' by Matt Reeder
 +
* ''Wine Hiking Oregon'' by Jack Costa
 
* ''Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail'' by Connie Soper
 
* ''Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail'' by Connie Soper
 +
* ''Oregon Hiking'' by Matt Wastradowski
 +
* ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
 +
* ''50 Hiking Trails: Portland and Northwest Oregon'' by Don & Roberta Lowe
 +
* ''Trips & Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan
 +
* ''Oregon Coast Hikes'' by Paul M. Williams
 +
* ''100 Hikes: Oregon Coast'' by William L. Sullivan
 +
* ''A Walking Guide to Oregon's Ancient Forests'' by Wendell Wood
 +
* ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda & George Ostertag
 
* ''The Oregon Coast Trail Guide'' by Jon Kenneke (eBook)
 
* ''The Oregon Coast Trail Guide'' by Jon Kenneke (eBook)
 +
* ''Oregon Coast Trail: Hiking Inn to Inn'' by Jack D. Remington
 +
* ''A Hiker's Guide to the Oregon Coast Trail'' by David E.M. Bucy & Mary C. McCauley
 +
* ''Oregon Coast Camping & Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill
 +
* ''Oregon Beaches: A Traveler's Companion'' by John Shewey
 +
* ''Oregon's Best Coastal Beaches'' by Dick Trout
 +
* ''Fire, Faults, and Floods: A Road & Trail Guide Exploring the Origins of the Columbia River Basin'' by Marge & Ted Mueller
 +
* ''Oregon State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide'' by Jan Bannan
  
 
=== More Links ===
 
=== More Links ===
 +
* [https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=139  Oswald West State Park (Oregon State Parks)]
 +
* [https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2017/11/15/best-hikes-oswald-west-state-park-short-sand-beach-manzanita-oregon-coast-neahkanie-cape-falcon/860402001/  "Oregon Top 5: Best hikes at Manzanita and Oswald West State Park" (Statesman Journal)]
 +
* [https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/cape-falcon-hike  Cape Falcon Hike (Outdoor Project)]
 +
* [https://www.theoutbound.com/oregon/hiking/hike-cape-falcon-in-oswald-west-state-park  Hike Cape Falcon in Oswald West State Park (The Outbound Collective)]
 +
* [https://www.muddycamper.com/hikes/cape-falcon-hike-oswald-west-state-park/  Cape Falcon Hike Oswald West State Park (Muddy Camper)]
 +
* [https://paulgerald.com/portland-hikes/great-oregon-coast-hike-cape-falcon-and-neahkhanie-mountain/  Great Oregon Coast Hike: Cape Falcon and Neahkhanie Mountain (Paul Gerald)]
 +
* [http://www.coastweekend.com/cw/editor/20140918/hiking-oswald-west-part-1-cape-falcon-trail  Hiking Oswald West Part 1: Cape Falcon Trail (Coast Weekend)]
 +
* [https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7022307/cape-falcon-trail  Cape Falcon Trail (Hiking Project)]
 +
* [http://www.oregonhiking.com/oregon-adventures/100-hikes-on-the-oregon-coast/north-coast-hikes/cape-falcon-hike  Cape Falcon (Oregon Adventures)]
 +
* [http://oregonmarinereserves.com/reserves/cape-falcon/  Cape Falcon (Oregon Marine Reserves)]
 +
  
 
=== Contributors ===
 
=== Contributors ===
 
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)
 
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)

Latest revision as of 02:01, 12 December 2023

TKO put tools to trail here.png
Neahkahnie Mountain from Cape Falcon (Steve Hart)
Skunk-cabbage passage on the Cape Falcon Trail, Oswald West State Park (bobcat)
Short Sand Beach from the Cape Falcon Trail (bobcat)
Woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) on California aster, Cape Falcon (bobcat)
View to the north headland of Cape Falcon (bobcat)
Big old-growth spruce forest, Cape Falcon Trail, Oswald West State Park (bobcat)
The trail route to Cape Falcon (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo
  • Start point: Cape Falcon TrailheadRoad.JPG
  • End point: Cape Falcon
  • Trail log: Trail Log
  • Hike type: Out and back
  • Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 160 feet
  • High point: 250 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Seasons: Year round
  • Family Friendly: Yes
  • Backpackable: No
  • Crowded: Yes

Contents

Hike Description

This is a short hike through a forest of huge Sitka spruce trees to a lava headland that offers views south to Neahkahnie Mountain. Hikers should note that this very popular section of the Oregon Coast Trail, while short, is highly eroded in many spots, with numerous twisted, exposed roots to negotiate. Much of the tread is muddy most of the year, so tennis shoes are not appropriate except perhaps mid-summer to early fall. Otherwise, wear sturdy footwear and proceed carefully!

Start at the Cape Falcon Trailhead on the Cape Falcon Trail. The trail runs along the side of a forested, sword fern-carpeted ridge above Short Sand Creek. Tall Sitka spruce and hemlock form the canopy. Soon the highway noise is replaced by the sounds of small birds and wind in the trees. You'll come to a signed trail junction at the half-mile mark. Turn right, and follow the trail to continue towards Cape Falcon. (Some may wish to make a short detour down to Short Sand Beach or take this direction for a short loop on the way back.)

You're now on a scenic section of the Oregon Coast Trail. The trail is often muddy in the spring as it weaves through damp bottoms filled with skunk-cabbage. There's a very eroded culvert over Kerwin Creek and then an ascent through more old-growth spruce forest with a dense understory of salal. Farther along, there's a crossing over an unnamed creek. The trail here was relocated when a huge spruce blocked the path. Today's trail is a little rough, but easily passable.

Now, as you're rising again, you'll begin to hear the ocean surf. A slanted cliff of sedimentary deposits marks the boundary of a chunk of real estate that slid into the sea. The trail drops about 60 feet to the low spot of the hike at Blumenthal Creek. Just past this creek, there's a Danger sign across a sketchy descent to a viewpoint of the upper tier of Blumenthal Falls. Do not take this dangerous trail. (You can see the lower tier of Blumenthal Falls, which runs dry in the summer anyway, from Short Sand Beach.)

Continuing on, the trail climbs through a couple of short switchbacks and offers views to Short Sand Beach and Neahkahnie Mountain. Exiting the forest, you'll reach an open area with a dense thicket of salal draped by vines of big root (wild cucumber). There's an obvious, if unsigned, trail junction a little farther on.

Take the left path, and drop down into a small saddle. The trail from here has been cut through a jungle of salal. The area would be completely impassible without this constructed trail. First, you'll reach a spectacular, shaded viewpoint with a view south to Neahkahnie Mountain and Nehalem Spit. A well-used social trail leads through a headland meadow where small butterflies and bumblebees are very active in the summer. This trail offers open views south but then begins a steep descent, unsuitable for either children or dogs, through wind-contorted spruce (if it's raining or very wet, no one should attempt this). You'll arrive on a knife-edged promontory of rock that forms Cape Falcon's south headland. You can see north to the north headland and offshore rocks. Below, a tall rock spine ends at a maelstrom of crashing waves. Cormorants and pelicans ply the waters for sustenance.


Maps

Regulations or restrictions, etc

  • Dogs on leash
  • Trailhead parking lot is closed from 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

  • Oregon's Ancient Forests: A Hiking Guide by Chandra LeGue
  • 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland by Paul Gerald
  • 25 Hikes on Oregon's Tillamook Coast by Adam Sawyer
  • 120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
  • Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon by Bonnie Henderson
  • I Heart Oregon (& Washington) by Lisa D. Holmes
  • Extraordinary Oregon! by Matt Reeder
  • PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
  • Wine Hiking Oregon by Jack Costa
  • Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail by Connie Soper
  • Oregon Hiking by Matt Wastradowski
  • Pacific Northwest Hiking by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
  • 50 Hiking Trails: Portland and Northwest Oregon by Don & Roberta Lowe
  • Trips & Trails: Oregon by William L. Sullivan
  • Oregon Coast Hikes by Paul M. Williams
  • 100 Hikes: Oregon Coast by William L. Sullivan
  • A Walking Guide to Oregon's Ancient Forests by Wendell Wood
  • Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide by Rhonda & George Ostertag
  • The Oregon Coast Trail Guide by Jon Kenneke (eBook)
  • Oregon Coast Trail: Hiking Inn to Inn by Jack D. Remington
  • A Hiker's Guide to the Oregon Coast Trail by David E.M. Bucy & Mary C. McCauley
  • Oregon Coast Camping & Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill
  • Oregon Beaches: A Traveler's Companion by John Shewey
  • Oregon's Best Coastal Beaches by Dick Trout
  • Fire, Faults, and Floods: A Road & Trail Guide Exploring the Origins of the Columbia River Basin by Marge & Ted Mueller
  • Oregon State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide by Jan Bannan

More Links


Contributors

Retrieved from "https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Cape_Falcon_Hike&oldid=119611"
Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. All content posted on the field guide becomes the property of Trailkeepers of Oregon, and may not be used without permission.