Gearhart Ridge Path Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Gearhart Trailhead
- End point: Necanicum Estuary
- Trail log:
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 30 feet
- High Point: 30 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
Settled by Philip Gearhart in the 1850s, the area of low dunes north of the Necanicum Estuary became a destination for 19th century day trippers taking the train down from the Astoria ferry terminal. In those days, the single "street" headed north-south and from it trails split off to the beach. The Ridge Path, as it is now known, is a reminder of those times, a right-of-way ambling past cottage back yards and crossing dead end streets. Visitors to Gearhart can loop back along the golf course and visit the Necanicum Estuary, a haven for seabirds at all times of the year.
The Ridge Path begins on the right side of City Hall. Pass by back yards and cross 1st through 7th Streets before turning left on 8th Street. Sitka spruce, western hemlock, salal, shore pine and blooming honeysuckle line the trail, sometimes making it feel quite secluded. Also, there are invasives like cherry laurel and holly. The last block is grassy and then you go left on 8th Street up to N. Cottage Street. Cross this road and walk on the gravel path on the shore pine-lined west side. Watch for golfers out on the course to your right. When you reach 3rd Street, turn right and walk by large beach residences, crossing N. Marion and N. Ocean.
Continue straight on a path through shore pine dotted, grassy dunes, with beach peas and seaside lupine blooming in the summer. An overlook has benches on the left and right. At the beach, you can look north to Sunset Beach and all its cars, but no vehicles are allowed down here at the Necanicum Spit. You can see south to Tillamook Head and its lighthouse. The hotels of Seaside are also visible across the mouth of the Necanicum River. In summer, you may see numerous pelicans flapping about, some gliding low over the breakers. Down near the mouth of the river, hundreds of these large birds may be gathered on low sandbars. Caspian terns will also be out in force. Cut through the dunes at the point, noting blooming sea rocket and yellow sand-verbena. Reach the mudflats of the Necanicum Estuary. A trail leads left along the shore below the grassy dunes. At least three kinds of sedge are growing here: American bulrush, seacoast bulrush, and the spectaculary-headed large-headed sedge. There are many other estuarine blooms in the summer as well. Continue around the curve of the dune, passing one path leading up Necanicum Spit, which is a snowy plover nesting area. Around the curve of the estuary, see the snaking course of a backwater. A stepped gravel path leads up from here through Scots broom towards a flagpole. Continue straight to Wellington Avenue.
Walk straight out past the intersection with G Street and turn right on F Street. Keep past the big, walled estate on the right and pass the junctions with Cottage St. and Hager St. About 15 yards past the Hager junction, go left on the Ridge Path. Shore pines, Sitka spruce, hemlock and salal line the path here. It’s six blocks past several more back yards to Pacific Way and your vehicle.
NOTE: Necanicum Spit is a Western Snowy Plover Management Area. Between March 15th and September 15th, dogs must be on leash and no vehicles are allowed. See Western Snowy Plover and the Oregon Coast (Oregon Parks & Recreation).
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Snowy plover restrictions apply 3/15 to 9/15 at Necanicum Spit. Dogs must be on leash.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Gearhart Ridge Path Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Gearhart Ridge Path Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Day Hiking: Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
- Oregon's Best Coastal Beaches by Dick Trout
More Links
- "Gearhart: The hidden charms of the Ridge Path" (Via Magazine)
- Gearhart Ridge Path Trail (Seaside Naturally)
- Gearhart, Oregon (Henry E. Hooper)
- About Gearhart Oregon (City of Gearhart)
- Necanicum Estuary (Audubon Society of Portland)
- Western Snowy Plover and the Oregon Coast (Oregon Parks & Recreation)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)