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An out-and-back to a picturesque overlook.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

Point to Point

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 2.2 miles each way for 4.4 miles out-and-back. Much of this trail is muddy for most of the year with lots of tall exposed roots.

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 24 votes

#434

Overall
  4.2 from 24 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
63%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#13

in Oregon

#434

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

4%
0%
75%
0%
21%
0%

Photos

Beautiful hike
Oct 12, 2019 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
Kid friendly trail
Sep 3, 2018 near Cannon…, OR

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 33 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 15, 2023
Danny Lamoure
Short Sand Beach Trail to Cape Falcon Trail 3mi — 3h 36m
Sep 21, 2022
Kimberly Dunn
Marcie and Michelle
Sep 20, 2022
Elizabeth Benson
4.2mi
Jun 26, 2022
David Scott
Jun 8, 2022
Madeline Bohl
Muddy! Overgrown! Roots and rocks galore. Lots of ferns, salal, mosses.
Aug 28, 2021
Tristin Morgan
Jul 20, 2021
Ayesha M
Lots of roots, dead rotting deer in melting into trail
May 16, 2021
Michael Young