Cape Kiwanda Viewpoint
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this location:
- Cape Kiwanda Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.21862, -123.97711
- Elevation: 90 feet
Description
Although plenty of footprints in the sand testify otherwise, you are not supposed to go beyond the fence line to explore the cove and promontory at Cape Kiwanda. The fragile sandstone formations here alter yearly, and human intrusion only adds to the destruction. That the beautiful orange and yellow layers of the headland have survived at all is because of Haystack Rock's protective shield - it stands directly in the path of the southwesterly winds that blow onto the coast at most times of the year.
From the fence, you can see the headlands scrubby toupée of salal and stunted Sitka spruce. Down below is a sheltered cove with its own sea cave and blowhole. Look for black oystercatchers darting along the rocks. This is also a decent whale watching site in mid-winter and mid-spring, and solitary gray whales have been known to hang out off the cape in the summer.
Farther along the fence, you'll get a view towards Cape Lookout above a colorful contorted sandstone stack. At the end of the fence line, a sign warns but does not forbid exploring the back side of the Great Dune, and a foot trail leads up to the summit from here.
More Links
- Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area (Oregon State Parks)
- Oregon Coast Geology Fun Facts: Behind the Look of Cape Kiwanda (BeachConnection.net)
- “Sandstone & basalt pepper the coast with striking capes” (Oregon Coast Today)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)