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A wide, closed road makes for an easy hike that's shaded with alders and has peaceful views over the estuary.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Point to Point

16' 5 m

High

11' 3 m

Low

3' 1 m

Up

5' 2 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek

Family Friendly This trail is a closed access road that is wide, flat, and shaded, with interesting forest and estuary views, close to town.

Need to Know

There are no restrooms available at the trailhead. Parking is along the road.

Description

Park on the side of the road and go around the gate, which has a clear footpath through the gap. The gate is meant to prevent vehicle traffic, as this trail is open to the public.

Hike east along the closed road, which is wide and flat. The road is grassy in the middle and shaded by alders. It's a pleasant and easy hike that is used mainly by locals hiking their dogs and exploring with children, sometimes on bikes. To the north is the Alder Creek Nature Preserve. Keep dogs on the leash to prevent them from disturbing wildlife in the nature preserve.

To the south is the Nehalem Bay estuary, which harbors plenty of birds and wildlife. The road is bordered by blackberry bushes in many places, which ripen in August and can be picked by anyone with the will to brave the thorns.

The road continues across a sturdy bridge with railings that crosses over a tributary creek to the bay, and there is an opportunity to turn towards the estuary and take a longer loop via Elk Run Trail, which follows the edge of the estuary. Continue past the intersection and straight on until you reach the utility station. From here you can return to the car by the same route.

You may see others coming down the road from the utility station, as the Elk Run Trail Loop connects just on the other side. This longer loop is very popular with locals.

Flora & Fauna

Red alder, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, Himalayan blackberry, swordfern, white-tailed deer.

Shared By:

Samantha Goodwin

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Manzanita

#15983

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Manzanita

#536

in Oregon

#15,983

Overall
14 Views Last Month
269 Since Sep 10, 2020
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Photos

The trail passes under sitka spruce and into a sunny area ahead.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR
Wooden trail signs point down a shaded, rooty trail under sitka spruce trees.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR
The trail crosses a grassy, easy slope with alders along the other side.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR
An old road shaded by alders with a short, utility building ahead.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR
A narrow trail weaves between stumps and trees with tall bushes on both sides.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR
A closed gate with foot path access at the side.
Sep 10, 2020 near Rockawa…, OR

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 15 days ago
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