To the Coast
Cascade Head Trail | 6.5 miles | 1400 ft of elevation gain | A brushy tunnel section of roots and stairs gives way to a hilly, headland meadow overlooking the Pacific, followed by an enchanting forest path.
Cape Lookout | 5 miles | 800 ft of elevation gain | A pretty muddy, forest hike on a peninsula that is well worth the trek for all the coastal sounds, smells, and sights.
Saddle Mountain Trail | 5 miles | 1800 ft of elevation gain | I’m sure this hike, not far from Camp 18 on Hwy 26, is fantastic most of the year, but I timed it just right going in mid-June, with peak wildlowers and, on a clear dayviews of the ocean, the mouth of the Columbia, and the Cascades.
Elk Mountain/Kings Mountain | 11 miles | 3800 ft of elevation gain | The toughest hike in the coastal range, located in the Tillamook Forest.
Gales Creek Trail | 8 miles | 1100 ft of elevation gain | A nice easy trail (only as difficult as the distance you choose) off Hwy 6 (Tillamook NF). Like the Salmon River Trail (very similar vibes), there are many places to start and many distances you could travel as you follow Gales Creek through the forest.
Banks-Vernonia Trail | 7 miles | 500 ft of elevation gain | This is a paved 21-mile trail, great for bikes and casual walking in shorter sections. I hiked from the Buxton Trailhead to the main entrance of L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and back, making sure to walk over the Buxton Trestle near the parking lot. A relaxed and accessible trail, with plenty of trilliums in the spring.
Crescent Beach Hike | 3.5 miles | 500 ft of elevation gain | A nice Ecola State Park trail, through the forest, down to a fantastic beach.