Neahkahnie Mountain from South Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: South Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead
- End point: Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 3.0 miles
- High point: 1,631 feet
- Elevation gain: 840 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
The Oregon Coast Trail crosses Neahkahnie Mountain, so you can access the summit ridge viewpoint from the north or the south. This approach is easier and is the one preferred by families with small children.
Don't be discouraged if the trail seems barricaded at the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead. The real trail starts a few feet to the right from the obvious blocked trail. Head up through an open area filled with a mix of grass and salal. The trail gradually climbs through several switchbacks. Look for flowers in the spring, including mallow and salal in the open areas. At the top of the meadow, the trail enters the forest. You'll see coast fawn lilies and trilliums blooming beneath the large spruce trees.
After about a mile, you'll cross a dirt access road. The road uphill to the left leads to a radio tower on the south summit. For this hike cross the road and continue on the single track trail. You'll pass a bench and then you'll come to an open area about a half mile from the road. The view from here includes Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita, the Nehalem Bay Mouth and the Pacific Ocean. Relax for a bit and the head back the way you came.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Oswald West State Park (Oregon State Parks)
- Oswald West State Park (Northwest Coast Trails)
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Trails closed 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.; no overnight parking
- Dogs on leash
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Neahkahnie Mountain from South Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Neahkahnie Mountain from South Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail by Connie Soper
- Hiking the Oregon Coast by Lizann Dunegan
- 120 Hikes on the Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
- Day Hiking: Oregon Coast by Bonnie Henderson
- Trips & Trails: Oregon by William L. Sullivan
- Hiking Oregon's History by William L. Sullivan
- 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast and the Coast Range by William L. Sullivan
- 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 State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide by Jan Bannan
More Links
- Oswald West State Park (Oregon State Parks)
- Neahkahnie Mountain (Oregon.com)
- Neahkahnie Mountain (Outdoor Project)
- "Neahkahnie Mountain on Oregon coast is No. 9 on list of Oregon's best landscapes" (Oregon Live)
- "Oswald West State Park tempts with Neahkahnie Mountain, Pacific Ocean views" (Oregon Live)
- Neahkahnie Mountain (South Peak) (Summit Post)
- Oregon Coast Trail Maps (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: State Parks)
- Oregon Coast Trail (Wikipedia)
Contributors
- CFM (creator)