Cascade Head Trail #1310

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek

This trail was developed by the USFS to bridge a gap in the Oregon Coast Trail and keep runners off of Hwy 101 as they go over Cascade Head. As such, it doesn't have views but it does have a lot of beautiful rainforest, including a grove of old growth that is crossed on a series of wooden bridges and walkways. Enjoy the green peace of the temperate rainforest on this moderate run.

This section of the trail is half of the larger trail and the northern half is closed from Jan 1st to July 15th every year to protect critical habitat of the endangered marbled merlette. There isn't much parking at the trailhead with room for only about 4 cars.
The trails begins at the trailhead just off of Three Rocks Road and Hwy 101. and ends at the USFS road (also closed Jan 1st to July 15th).

The trail ascends gently up through the rainforest on a muddy track, crossing through alder glens and under Sitka spruce. Enjoy several wooden bridges and a wooden walkway that navigates a beautiful wetland area. Near the top of the trail, in the final mile, pass through a grove of old growth sitka spruce with some truly huge trees. Overall this a peaceful forest hike.