Cape Falcon Oregon Coast Hike Guide
Cape Falcon is a beautiful hike on the Northern Coast of Oregon that starts off highway 101 and ends with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This is a family friendly and dog friendly hike that can be done year round but is best during the spring, summer and fall months. Cape Falcon ends with dramatic cliffs, the opportunity to see a load of seabirds and spanning ocean views in two directions. This hike is extremely underrated but worthwhile.
Cape Falcon Quick Facts
Virtual Trail Guide: Cape Falcon
Cape Falcon Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Distance: 4.7 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 184ft
Highest Point: 313ft
Total Elevation Gain: 828ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Hours RT
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: June – November (expect snow outside of this period)
Directions to Cape Falcon
Trailhead: Cape Falcon Trailhead
Getting Here: The trailhead is located right along Oregon Coast Highway 101 between Arch Cape and Nehalem on the Northern Coast of Oregon. Your best bet is to enter in the TH to your GPS before heading out.
Parking: The Cape Falcon parking lot can fit about 30 cars and will get busy on weekends since it provides access to other hikes in the area. The parking area does not have any bathrooms.
Fees: There is no fee to hike this one.
Summary
Dogs: This is a dog friendly hike with some mud along the hike so expect a dirty pup.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike, but I would highly recommend pairing this one with nearby Hug Point (link) if you wanted to extend your hiking. Alternatively, you can check out Short Sand Beach which is accessed by the same hike.
Hike Tip(s): Take some time to explore the Cape at the end of the hike. At first glance, you get great views of the coast and ocean but if you take some time to explore, there are a number of social trails that lead to even better views of the area. Be sure to tread lightly and watch your footing once you do explore because a fall in certain areas would be deadly.
Best Views: The entire hike is beautiful but the end views at the Cape itself are without a doubt the show stopper. However, take some time to explore the forests along the way and head down to the beach after your hike if you want even more photo opportunities.
Cape Falcon Hike Route
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Women’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Women’s)
- Backpack
- Food & Water
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: Camera and Lens
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Our Trip to Cape Falcon: June 2021
Cape Falcon was a bonus hike Jackie and I decided to add on after a long day exploring the coast of Oregon. We weren’t sure what to expect, but honestly this hike blew us away. From the beautiful hiking through the forest to the insane views at the coast, this hike was an A+.
