Cape Falcon Trail

Cape Falcon Hike near Cannon Beach & Arch Cape, Oregon

Head to Nehalem, Oregon and test your skills on this 5.2-mile out-and-back trail! Generally considered moderately challenging, it usually takes hikers an average of two hours and six minutes to complete the route. As you’re ascending the cape, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast and Neahkahnie Mountain. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush old-growth forests and traverse a few small creeks. The trail also offers access to parts of Falcon Cove Beach. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, pack plenty of water, and bring along a map or GPS in case you get lost.

Exploring this spectacular area is a birdwatcher’s paradise and hiker’s delight with the added bonus of meeting other outdoor enthusiasts.

For optimal enjoyment of this trail, plan visits between May and October. While the area can be enjoyed year-round, this is prime time for spotting wildlife such as ospreys and bald eagles.

Dogs must be leashed , and cyclists must adhere to the trail’s posted speed limits. Also, make sure that you pick up after yourself as this is a “Leave No Trace” zone.

Location the Cape Falcon Trailhead on the Northern Oregon Coast

Reviews of the Trail

“The trail is a bit of a drive if you are staying in portland (2 hour drive to the coast). however, it’s a nice hike if you get there in the morning. Majority of the hike is shaded (through the forest) so do dress warm if it’s a bit chilly. Beginning of the hike is bumpy b/c you are walking over and around roots of many many old trees. You need to watch where you step. It evens out later in the hike. Half way into the hike, you are taken to a camp site where you could sit on a bench and enjoy the coastline. However, if you want, you can keep going to the end of the cape falcon hike (it can be combined with a longer hike as well). The end is basically an opening for a lookout of the coast line. It’s very beautiful on a sunny day. However, if you are planning on sitting there and enjoying a snack, be mindful of really big ants/fire ants. We noticed them 5 min into our hanging out (luckily we were standing not sitting).

There’s plenty of parking if you arrive early but it does fill up. You can likely park at the parking lot across the street as well which is much bigger and has a bathroom. Lot of people park there to go down to the water.”

Anish Shah

“Great hike through the amazing trail of massive red cedars and hemlock trees. It only takes about 20 minutes to the beach with wonderful scenery of waterfalls, wife beaches and fern lined cliffs.”

Rick North

“Fabulous old growth Sitka forest, opening up to terrific views of the Pacific. About a 3 hour round trip for fit seniors on trail with constant roots to step over so although not a lot of elevation gain it requires more fitness than the mileage would indicate. Super dry now, but in “normal” coast weather you can expect some mud. On a Monday in August you need to arrive before 11am for parking in North lot.”

Janice Aungier

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