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An out-and-back to a picturesque overlook.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

93%

Runnable

235' 72 m

High

106' 32 m

Low

328' 100 m

Up

216' 66 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

20%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Need to Know

This trail is 2.5 miles each way for 5 miles out-and-back. Much of this trail is muddy for most of the year with lots of tall exposed roots. Great views of the ocean!

Runner Notes

It is an easy to intermediate trail if you walk the 30-40% of it that requires very careful footing. It is a difficult trail if you run 100% of it.

Description

From the Cape Falcon Trailhead (parking lot on the west side of Hwy 101), the trail is mostly dry with gentle inclines for the first mile. At around 0.75-mile mark, the intersection with the Short Sands Beach Trail is well marked, and you'll take a right to continue on to the Cape.

From this point on, the trail becomes muddier and has many long sections that require careful footing due to the mud and exposed tree roots. At 1.5 miles, you can see glimpses of the ocean and a great view down to Short Sands Beach. Just after mile 2, take a left at the unmarked fork (go right and you'll find yourself on the Oregon Coast Trail). The last 0.25 miles cuts through dense brush but opens up into a spectacular view (and very steep drop off) to the Pacific Ocean. There are three creek crossings—all have bridges—for your dog friends to lay down in if they are hot.

Flora & Fauna

Old growth forest.

Contacts

Land Manager: Oregon State Parks

Shared By:

Susan Whitley with improvements by Lenny McKenzie

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 26 votes

#303

Overall
  4.2 from 26 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
58%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Oregon

#303

Overall
29 Views Last Month
6,108 Since Oct 31, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

4%
0%
77%
0%
19%
0%

Photos

Beautiful hike
Oct 12, 2019 near Cannon…, OR
Beautiful
May 29, 2023 near Cannon…, OR
Short Sands beach about 1.5 miles
Apr 30, 2018 near Cannon…, OR
View of Cape Falcon
Apr 30, 2018 near Cannon…, OR
From along the trail...
Sep 3, 2018 near Cannon…, OR
Look out at the top!
Sep 3, 2018 near Cannon…, OR
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2019
Black Beard
9mi — 1h 55m
Apr 19, 2019
Jason Stapley
May 21, 2017
Bryan Tosh
Worst trail for running. Mud mud mud!!! 5.5mi
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