Cape Lookout Trailhead
Cloverdale, Oregon
| Address: | Cape Lookout Trailhead, Cloverdale, OR 97112, USA |
| GPS: |
45°20'27.4"N 123°58'25.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Oregon |
State Park
Hike
Cape Lookout State Park has multiple hiking trails. This trail is among one of the more popular ones because it leads you to the steep cliffs which provide gorgeous views of the ocean and adjacent cliffs. Cape Lookout is also one of the prime locations for whale watching. Some have even said they've seen sea lions and orcas from the capes.
This slightly downhill trail is typically muddy and can be slippery at times. There are boardwalks in some of the really bad areas.
This is a beautiful hike that goes through the lush, green, coastal forest. Sometimes the trail can be a bit crowded depending on when you go.
Elevation gain: about 400 ft
Roundtrip: about 5.0 miles
NOTE: There is a $5 fee to use Cape Lookout State Park. AND MAKE SURE TO HOLD ON TO LITTLE ONES AT THE END OF THE TRAIL SO THEY DON'T FALL OFF THE 400 FT CLIFF.
More Information
Cape Lookout Hike - Hiking in Portland, Oregon and Washington
Cape Lookout is the best spot on the coast for whale watching without getting in a boat. As the migrating gray whales parallel the shoreline in fall and spring, they need to detour around this two-mile long peninsula, the remains of an ancient lava flow from the Columbia River Basalts of the Miocene epoch. There are views south and north taking in long stretches of beach, and the highest cliffs on the cape tower more than 800 feet. You be hiking through a lush, wet (and muddy) coast forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, salal, and large leathery polypody ferns. In addition to the possibility of spotting gray whales during their migration periods, there is a good chance of seeing sea lions, seals, and various seabirds, such as murres, pelicans, scoters, and gulls. Orcas and dolphins have also been seen from Cape Lookout.
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cape_Lookout_HikeCape Lookout State Park | Oregon.com
Here's a dramatic whale-watching headland jutting into the Pacific Ocean.
https://oregon.com/recreation/cape-lookout-state-parkBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Cloverdale, Oregon
- Head east on Brook St toward Campground St (161 ft)
- Turn left onto Campground St (427 ft)
- Turn right onto US-101 N (10.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Sandlake Rd (4.3 mi)
- Continue straight onto Cape Lookout Rd (3.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Cape Lookout Trailhead (269 ft)
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