Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Cape Kiwanda is the southern headland of the Three Capes Scenic Route, which also includes Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.  It is an extremely popular day-use area, and the unfortunate policy that keeps the beach open to vehicles only adds to the congestion of this natural area. However, a short haul up the cape's dunes will quickly put you in a setting that is far more serene.  From atop the cape you’ll get the best views of the eroded yellow sandstone headland, the area's birdlife, Haystack Rock to the southwest, Nestucca Bay to the south, and Cape Lookout to the north.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Open sandy beach. Unique sandstone landform.

Cons

Vehicles driving and parked on beach.

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

02/01/2015
One of the most popular and scenic destinations on the Oregon coast. This fragile cape of sandstone provides such a contrasting foreground to the deep blue of the Pacific.
05/30/2015
Beautiful sunny day to be on the coast -- lots of people made their way to Cape Kiwanda to surf and play on the dunes. Kites, dogs, and beachcombers all around. We saw a few people stuck up to their axles trying to drive on the beach-- don't spin those tires! You'll get stuck!
03/20/2015
Overcast days can also make for some great photography here. We had enough wind to get the experience of the waves crashing into the rocks-- the thunder reverberates around you as you wander through the dunes. A very Oregon experience!
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