Cummins Creek

Dogs Unknown

With the trailhead just a quarter mile off Hwy 101, there's no reason not to enjoy this run if you're traveling along the Oregon coast. These hills around Cape Perpetua often rise above the coastal fog. Old-growth forest, ferns, a variety of trail surfaces, and a fun downhill make this short loop a memorable one.

Be aware and alert on this trail as it shared with mountain bikers.

The beach across the highway at Neptune State Park is a good place to cool off, and you can find all manner of good refreshments in the nearby village of Yachats.

Heading up the Cummins Creek Trail, it is smooth and wide for the first 1.3 miles as it ascends gradually to a junction where the Cummins Creek Loop Trail comes in on the left. Keeping to the right, the trail continues on a similar grade along the old road bed, but becomes much narrower for another mile and a half.

At this point, 2.8 miles and 675' above the trailhead, the trail abruptly begins climbing at a much steeper and rougher grade, gaining 500' in the next half mile, before reaching the upper junction with the Cummins Creek Loop Trail.

Here you can add some more climbing, nearly 2 miles of out-and-back, and a longer descent by staying to the right and going out to where the Cummins Creek Trail ends on NF Road 55, then returning to this junction.

Otherwise, prepare your knees and head down the Cummins Creek Loop Trail. The descent gets right down to business with a rugged, rocky section before opening up to a clearing with views out over the Cummins drainage. Re-entering the forest, the trail follows a ridge down to rejoin the Cummins Creek Trail.

Finish up with the easy-going run down to the car.