Looking south from the Neahkahnie Viewpoint (Steve Hart)

The trail switchbacks through the lower meadows on Neahkahnie Mountain (cfm)

Looking north from early in the hike (Steve Hart)

Coast Fawn Lily (Steve Hart)

• Start point: North Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead
• End point: Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Hike Type: Out and back
• Distance: 5.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 1450 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Year round
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: Yes

Hike Description

The Oregon Coast Trail crosses Neahkahnie Mountain and the summit is reachable from either side. The hike from the north requires a bit more elevation gain, but it's a bit more varied.

From the North Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead, cross the road and start up the Oregon Coast Trail. The first section of the trail is cut through an otherwise impenetrable thicket of Salal. A wide variety of flowers bloom here each spring including Columbia Windflower, Trailing Blackberry, very pink specimens of Candy Flower, rare Coast Fawn Lilies and of course, the ever present Salal. As the trail climbs higher through switchbacks, there are views of the ocean, including a look north to stunning coastal cliffs.

The trail enters the forest near the top of the meadow. You'll soon cross a small creek of iron colored water and then the trail slabs across the north face of the mountain through carpets of sorrel and trilliums in season. The trail continues to switch higher. The north, higher summit of Neahkahnie Mountain is heavily timbered and not accessible by trail. The trail slabs around the south side of the northern summit into a neat section of moss covered spruce. Next, it ducks under a low log and enters a section of very dense, dark forest, completely devoid of undergrowth. You'll drop into a bit of a saddle, then begin climbing to the south summit. There's a small switchback and finally you'll come to a rare, open rocky area. There's a very steep and potentially dangerous use path up to a peak, but the view to the south is really good from here. You'll see Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita and the beach all the way to the mouth of the Nehalem River. Relax here for a bit and then return the way you came.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Regulations or restrictions, etc

• Trailhead closed 10PM-6AM, No overnight parking

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Neahkahnie

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Neahkahnie

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• 120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson

More Links

Contributors

• Stevefromdodge (creator)