The view from the trail. Cape Lookout is on the far horizon. (Carol King)

All kinds of kids love to hike in the mudflats

• Start point: Whalen Island Trailhead
• End point: Sand Lake Estuary
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Hike Type: loop
• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 50 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: year round
• Family Friendly: yes
• Backpackable: no
• Crowded: no

Hike Description

Situated on the coast between Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout, the Clay Meyers State Recreation Area on Whalen Island was part of a small family farm for decades until it was purchased with lottery funding in 2000. This unique area has tremendous diversity. Centered in the Sand Lake estuary, Whalen Island has grasslands, vast mudflats, white sandy beaches, a coastal forest and dunes. The short easy loop hike will take you through all of these zones with plenty of places to stop and watch birds, have a picnic and play in the sand. If the weather is good, the kids will love this hike.

Maps are posted at the parking area, take the rolling loop trail in either direction and enjoy. Better yet, you can stay at the adjacent county campground and enjoy the changing tides at your leisure.

The only drawback to this hike is the nearby ORV area at Sandlake. The drone of the sandbuggies - loudest at the apex of the loop- may be irritating to purists.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Whalen Island Loop Hike

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Whalen Island Loop Hike

Guidebooks

• 25 Hikes on Oregon's Tillamook Coast by Adam Sawyer

More Links

Contributors

• CFM (creator)