Summer along the Oregon Coast is a great time to get out and explore its many trails, parks, and lookout points. The coastline is dotted with several Oregon state parks that each offer their own reason for going.
No matter where your travels take you this summer hit the trails with a visit to these coastal Oregon State Parks.
Cascade Head Trail
30 minutes north of Depoe Bay is a challenging yet rewarding trail that will take your breath away with its beautiful views and elevation climb. Cascade Head Trail is a 6.8-mile out and back hike that is accessible from the northern or southern trailhead in the National Forest area. Climb about 270 feet in the first 2/10 of a mile to a grove of Sitka spruce. Here, the trail levels out until the last stretch of the hike to a vista with panoramic views of the Oregon Coast. Keep your eye out for two rare plants that call this area home, the Cascade Head Catchfly and the Hairy-Stemmed Checker-Mallow.
Ecola State Park
Located near Cannon Beach, roughly two hours north of Depoe Bay, Ecola State Park is perched high atop Tillamook Head. Overlooking numerous rock formations, such as the popular Haystack Rock, the park’s hiking trails offer some of the best views along the Oregon Coast. Bring your binoculars for a chance to see the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which rests atop a lone rock offshore.
Three Capes Scenic Loop
This stretch of the coastal highway along the Tillamook Coast reveals some of the most majestic landscape that the Oregon Coast has to offer. The loop includes these three stops:
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
several hiking options are available, with shorter trails to the lighthouse and the spur trail to the Octopus tree is a real treat. Or enjoy a bit of a longer hike down to the beach overlooking Pyramid Rock.
Cape Lookout State Park
Hike the 5 miles from Cape Lookout Trailhead for a chance to see migrating whales, wildflowers, and beautiful coastal scenery. The trail takes you out on to a peninsula, 400 feet above the water below, offering stunning views all along this hike.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
As the southernmost of the three capes, hikers can trek the short distance along the sandy beaches of Cape Kiwanda and reach beautiful sand dunes. Beautiful views of Haystack Rock can be seen from the end point of Cape Kiwanda. From the inland side of the cape, people head up this steep pile of sand for bigger views of the ocean and coastline.
Scenic viewpoints near Depoe Bay
While there isn’t much hiking at these viewpoints, they are worth getting out of the car to see.
- Devil’s Punchbowl – an easy 1-mile hike to the beautiful rock formation of Devil’s Punchbowl.
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse – paved paths guide you along the coast’s edge at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Also, head down the stairs to view some of the best tide pools along the Oregon Coast.
- Seal Rock Recreation site – a paved trail takes you above rock formations and to beach access.
Looking for a place to stay in Depoe Bay? Discover the elegance and sophistication of Whale Cove Inn.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Enjoy some of the best hiking in Oregon at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. With 26 miles of trails that cut through the thick rainforest of the Siuslaw National Forest to the top of the cape, hikers are met with several unique landmarks – Devil’s Churn, Cape Cove, Thor’s Well, and the Spouting Horn.
Hecta Head State Park
A short half-mile hike brings you to the lighthouse at Hecta Head State Park. Or choose to hike several miles of the Oregon Coast Trail from this scenic viewpoint.
Cape Arago
There are three state parks in the area near Coos Bay that are connected by a network of hiking trails. Walk the entire trail length or hop out of the car to see the great viewpoints along the way.
- Sunset Bay State Park
- Shore Acres State Park
- Cape Arago State Park
Depoe Bay lodging
As you plan your visits to these coastal Oregon State Parks, be sure to plan a stay at the Whale Cove Inn in Depoe Bay. Rated as one of the most exclusive luxury boutique hotels in Oregon, guests will enjoy coastal views, world-class amenities, and a bit of peace and quiet. Each of our suites features beautiful views, all of which can be enjoyed from your private deck.
