The stretch of Oregon coast between Cannon Beach and Manzanita offers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Ancient forests meet dramatic cliffs, while hidden beaches and tide pools create natural playgrounds for adventurous families. Whether you’re seeking a gentle beach stroll or a challenging mountain summit, this coastal paradise delivers unforgettable outdoor memories. Pack your hiking boots and prepare to explore nine incredible trails that showcase the raw beauty of Oregon’s legendary coastline.
1. Hug Point Beach Walk
Timing is everything at this magical coastal spot where waterfalls cascade directly onto the beach during winter months. The walk itself feels like stepping into a fairy tale, especially when you discover the hidden sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Low tide reveals tide pools teeming with colorful sea anemones and hermit crabs. Kids love exploring these natural aquariums while parents marvel at the dramatic rock formations.
Always check tide charts before visiting, as high tide can trap visitors against the cliffs. The seasonal waterfall appears strongest between December and March, creating perfect photo opportunities.
2. Arcadia Beach Tidepool Stroll
When Cannon Beach crowds become overwhelming, this peaceful mile-long sanctuary offers the perfect escape. Families spread blankets on the soft sand while children hunt for treasures in the extensive tide pool areas at both ends of the beach.
The northern tide pools often harbor bright orange sea stars and purple sea urchins. Patient observers might spot small fish darting between the rocky crevices.
Parking is limited but free, making this an excellent budget-friendly alternative to busier beaches. The gentle waves and protected location make it ideal for young children learning to explore coastal environments safely.
3. Short Sand Beach Trail (Shorty’s)
Surfers affectionately call this beloved cove “Shorty’s,” and the easy half-mile forest walk makes it accessible to everyone. Towering Sitka spruces create a natural cathedral overhead while the well-maintained trail gently descends through lush coastal forest.
The destination beach feels like a hidden gem, surrounded by protective cliffs and offering excellent people-watching opportunities. Surfers paddle out year-round, providing entertainment for beach visitors.
Picnic tables near the beach make this perfect for family outings. The mostly level trail accommodates strollers, though the final descent requires a bit more attention to footing on the natural surface.
4. Cape Falcon Trail
Ancient Sitka spruces, some over 400 years old, tower above this classic headland adventure. The nearly five-mile round trip journey rewards hikers with sweeping clifftop vistas that stretch for miles along the rugged Oregon coastline.
Expect muddy sections and exposed roots, especially during winter months. Sturdy hiking boots provide essential traction on the sometimes slippery forest floor.
The trail connects to the famous Oregon Coast Trail, making it possible to extend your adventure. Dramatic viewpoints near Cape Falcon offer perfect spots for lunch breaks while watching migrating whales during spring and fall seasons.
5. Elk Flats Trail to Devil’s Cauldron
The name “Devil’s Cauldron” perfectly captures the dramatic churning waters visible from the cliff-edge viewpoints. This 1.4-mile adventure combines peaceful meadow walking with heart-pounding coastal drama.
Wildflowers bloom throughout the meadow sections during spring and early summer. The contrast between gentle grasslands and violent ocean views creates an unforgettable hiking experience.
Exercise extreme caution near the cliff edges, where unstable ground and sudden wind gusts pose serious dangers. The short spur trail to the main overlook provides the safest viewing opportunities while still delivering spectacular photographic moments.
6. Neahkahnie Mountain South Trail
Summit fever strikes quickly on this shorter route to one of the coast’s most rewarding viewpoints. The 2.6-mile round trip packs serious elevation gain into a manageable distance, making every step feel worthwhile.
Panoramic views over Manzanita and Nehalem Bay unfold gradually as you climb. The final rocky scramble requires basic scrambling skills but nothing too technical for most hikers.
Clear days reveal the Cascade Range rising inland while the Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly westward. Local legends speak of buried Spanish treasure somewhere on these slopes, adding mystery to your mountain adventure.
7. Neahkahnie Mountain North Trail
Choose the road less traveled on this steeper, more challenging route to the same spectacular summit. The four-mile round trip journey winds through incredibly lush coastal forest where every surface seems covered in emerald moss.
Rough trail conditions add adventure but require extra time and attention. Tree roots and muddy sections create natural obstacles that keep hikers engaged throughout the climb.
Solitude seekers prefer this quieter approach, often encountering deer and various bird species along the way. The extra effort invested in reaching the summit makes the panoramic reward feel even more earned and memorable.
8. Old Growth Forest and Sitka Spruce Connectors
Sometimes the shortest walks deliver the biggest wow factor. These brief 0.2-mile connector trails weave between larger trail systems while showcasing some of the most magnificent trees on the Oregon coast.
Giant conifers create natural cathedrals where sunbeams filter through the canopy like stained glass windows. Children often feel dwarfed by these ancient giants, sparking conversations about forest ecology and conservation.
Perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a quick nature fix. The connectors allow creative loop combinations, letting hikers customize their forest experience based on available time and energy levels.
9. Arch Cape to Cape Falcon Oregon Coast Trail Section
This 6.5-mile stretch represents the Oregon Coast Trail at its finest, threading through classic north coast rainforest while providing tantalizing ocean glimpses. Solitude seekers will appreciate the quieter nature of this longer commitment.
Dense forest canopy creates a tunnel-like effect broken by occasional clearings with peek-a-boo ocean views. The varied terrain keeps hikers engaged without overwhelming them with constant elevation changes.
Wildlife sightings become more likely on longer trails like this, with opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk, black bears, and numerous bird species throughout the journey between these two iconic coastal landmarks.
10. Necarney Creek Beach Access
Hidden gems often require a bit of local knowledge to discover, and this secluded beach access perfectly fits that description. The trail meanders through coastal forest before emerging onto a pristine stretch of sand that feels worlds away from crowded tourist beaches.
Creek crossings add adventure while providing opportunities to spot salmon during spawning seasons. The relatively untouched beach environment offers excellent beachcombing and wildlife observation opportunities.
Parking is extremely limited, so arrive early or consider combining this access with other nearby trails. The peaceful setting makes it ideal for meditation, photography, or simply enjoying the raw power of the Oregon coast.
11. Manzanita Beach Walk
Seven miles of uninterrupted sandy beach stretch northward from the charming village of Manzanita, offering endless walking opportunities for beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts alike. The firm sand provides excellent footing for long-distance beach hiking adventures.
Spectacular views of Neahkahnie Mountain rising directly from the ocean create a dramatic backdrop. During winter storms, massive waves crash against the mountain’s base, creating unforgettable natural theater.
Dog-friendly policies make this popular with pet owners, while the expansive space accommodates everyone comfortably. Sunset walks here rank among the most romantic experiences on the entire Oregon coast, with the mountain silhouette creating perfect photo opportunities.
12. Oswald West Campground Nature Loop
Even non-campers can enjoy this gentle loop trail that showcases the incredible biodiversity of Oregon’s coastal temperate rainforest. The easy terrain makes it perfect for families with small children or anyone seeking a peaceful nature experience.
Interpretive signs along the route help visitors identify native plants, animal tracks, and geological features. The loop design ensures you won’t get lost while exploring this lush ecosystem.
Seasonal changes create dramatically different experiences throughout the year, from spring wildflowers to autumn leaf displays. The proximity to camping facilities makes this an excellent evening or early morning walk for overnight visitors to the area.
