Hiking the Cascade Head Trail

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Cascade Head, so named for the water flowing over it’s cliffs to join the ocean, is a spectacular place to enjoy a hike on the Oregon Coast, with sea lions providing a chorus in the cove, islands in the distance and abundant wildflowers in the meadows.  Located, north of Lincoln City, the headland provides three trails from which to enjoy the meadows, sea and sky.

Interested?  Perhaps you would even like a guide!  September 13, 2014 at 10 am The Nature Conservancy will be offering guided tours! These hikes can last from 2 to 4 hours depending on pace and interest.  To take advantage of this offer, please register by emailing: orvolunteers@tnc.org.

Choosing a trail will depend on season and the degree of difficulty you are in the mood for:

  • Cascade Head – Nature Conservancy Trail
    4.2 Miles / Moderate Difficulty / 1200 ft elevation gain
    Open Year Round

    Drive Highway 101 north 1 mile from the interchange where highways 101 and 18 join (just north of Lincoln City). Then turn left on Three Rocks Road for 2.2 miles and turn left to the parking lot of the Savage Park boat ramp.

  • Cascade Head – Upper Trail
    1 mile / Easy with 160 ft elevation gain
    Open July 16 – December 31

    Drive Highway 101 north from the junction with Highway 18 (just north of Lincoln City). After 4 miles, just before a crest, turn left on gravel Cascade Head Road 1861. After 3.3 miles, a guardrail on the left marks the easy, upper trailhead to the Nature Conservancy preserve on Cascade Head.

  • Hart’s Cove
    5.2 Miles / Moderate Difficulty  / 900 ft elevation loss
    Open July 16 – December 31

    Drive Highway 101 north from the junction with Highway 18 (just north of Lincoln City). After 4 miles, just before a crest, turn left on gravel Cascade Head Road 1861. After 3.3 miles, a guardrail on the left marks the easy, upper trailhead to the Nature Conservancy preserve on Cascade Head. Continue an extra 0.8 mile on Road 1861 to a parking lot at road’s end.

Cascade Head is an area set aside for conservation.  As a result, pets, bikes, camping, flower picking and fires are not allowed. And the wildlife thanks you for staying on the trails!


Booking your Oregon coast vacation home is easy! Go to www.bellabeachrentals.com to view and reserve homes online. Or call Lisa at 541-921-8885 9am to 10 pm for assistance planning your trip. We are standing by to help you!

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