Cape Lookout Hiking Trail

Check out my full review here! https://www.chasingkirby.com/travel/cape-lookout-trail-hike-oregon/

I hiked the Cape Lookout Trail in September and it was amazing. With only little elevation gain, most can conquer this fun hike. It took me a total of four hours to complete, including lots of stops for photo ops I just couldn't pass up, plus a 30 minute snack break at the halfway point.

It's perfect for dogs, little kidos, and I saw plenty of retirees making their way along the Cape Lookout Trail at an impressive pace.

The trail starts off going slightly downhill along a well kept dirt pathway. It invites you in with its overgrown, bright polypody ferns in every brilliant shade of green imaginable. Tall Sitka Spruce trees line the path and fill the forest before dropping off at the coastline, stretching straight up into the sky, providing a cool shade for most of the journey.

Here, you will find a true Pacific Northwest wet landscape. The moisture in the air provides the perfect conditions for plant life to flourish in an already teaming forest. Rocks, branches, and entire tree trunks are covered in luscious blankets of soft moss, which sprout even more miniature plants.

Overgrown tree roots tangle themselves across the pathways as you continue along the trail. This may create a slight footing challenge, especially if there's been a recent rainfall like the day I hiked the Cape Lookout Trail. Boardwalks have been placed over the worst areas but I'd still say a good pair of hiking boots will go along way on this hike.

About halfway through the hike, you'll begin to come up to small openings in the brush. You'll only need to take a few steps off the forest trail to be entranced by the magic of the Oregon coast. The vast blue sea stretches all the way from the distant pale beaches to the far-off horizon. Be careful not to get too close to the edge. About a 400ft vertical drop stands between you and the waves crashing below.

You'll reach the furthest point on this out-and-back trail after about 1.5 miles of hiking. As you exit the enclosed forest, the trail will open up to 180-degree views. Here, you will find a lovely stopping point with a bench or rocks to sit on and rest as you enjoy the breathtaking ocean view that expands both to the north and south.

Take some photos and return the way you came.