Cape Falcon Trail
A stunning coastal hike through lush forests to dramatic ocean vistas, offering a true taste of the Oregon Coast's wild beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Cape Falcon Trail
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal hike through lush forests to dramatic ocean vistas, offering a true taste of the Oregon Coast's wild beauty.
"The views at the end are incredible. The wind is furious, but gloriously cool."
👟 Wear Sturdy Boots
Mud and roots are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to avoid disappointment.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 311 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Overlooks
Various points along the trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and dramatic sea stacks.
+1Old-Growth Forest
Trail interior
Wander through a lush, temperate rainforest with towering Sitka spruce and vibrant green vegetation.
Cliffside Views
Trail terminus
The dramatic payoff at the end offers stunning cliffside vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mud!
Timing is Key for Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Boots
Mud and roots are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to avoid disappointment.
💧 Be Prepared for Mud
The trail can be very muddy, particularly after rain. Embrace it or bring extra socks!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal and forest scenery. Drone shots are also popular!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Boots
Mud and roots are common. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to avoid disappointment.
💧 Be Prepared for Mud
The trail can be very muddy, particularly after rain. Embrace it or bring extra socks!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal and forest scenery. Drone shots are also popular!
🗺️ Don't Miss the Peak
The 'peak' isn't always obvious. Keep exploring for the best 180° ocean views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cape Falcon Trail for its stunning coastal views and immersive old-growth forest experience. While the trail can be rugged, muddy, and challenging with roots, most agree the breathtaking ocean vistas at the end are well worth the effort. It's a highly recommended hike for those seeking natural beauty on the Oregon Coast.
"This was a beautiful trail. Old growth forest, lots of Sitka spruce, lush vegetation, with views of the ocean and beach throughout the trail. The "peak" isn't clearly marked, so I kept going through extra trails in the brush to find 180° views of ocean, beach, rocks, and trees. Not too busy, worth every step."
Christy McGurgan
"Beautiful coastal hike with a muddy challenge
Trail was more rugged than expected—lots of roots and mud, especially in the second half—but the views at the end are absolutely worth it. About 4.8 miles round trip with nearly 700 ft of elevation. Great coastal forest, and that cliffside payoff is stunning. Go early for parking, and wear good shoes!"
Patrick Motschenbacher
"My brother comes here often. Great place to surf, although the waves weren't high the day we visited. Magnificent views, not too highly trafficked."
Ed Bockelman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Falcon Trail is located within Oswald West State Park, about 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, Oregon. Access is typically via Highway 101. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead for Cape Falcon Trail. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season, as it can fill up.
While there's a way down to Short Sands Beach from the trail, it's not for the faint of heart and requires careful navigation. It's best attempted by experienced hikers with good footwear.
The trailhead is well-marked from Highway 101. Follow signs for Oswald West State Park and then for the Cape Falcon Trailhead.
Public transport options to this specific trailhead are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access Cape Falcon Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oswald West State Park, where Cape Falcon Trail is located, generally does not require an entrance fee or permit for day use. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Oregon State Parks website for any current regulations or advisories.
State parks are typically open from dawn to dusk. There are no specific 'opening hours' for the trail itself, but it's best to hike during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
Oregon State Parks generally do not charge an entrance fee for day-use access to parks like Oswald West. Parking is usually free, though some parks may have specific day-use fees for certain facilities.
No, tickets are not required for Cape Falcon Trail as it's a public hiking trail within a state park. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Visiting on a weekday morning or during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall, outside of major holidays) will generally result in fewer crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cape Falcon Trail is generally considered a moderate hike. It involves some elevation gain and can be rugged with roots and mud, especially in certain sections.
The Cape Falcon Trail is approximately 4.6 to 4.8 miles round trip. The time it takes can vary, but expect around 2-3.5 hours depending on your pace and how much you stop to enjoy the views.
Expect a mix of forest paths, exposed roots, rocks, and potentially muddy sections. Some areas have structures to help bypass wet spots.
Oswald West State Park typically has restroom facilities available at or near the main parking areas. It's advisable to confirm availability with the Oregon State Parks website.
The main trail is generally well-defined, but the 'peak' views might require a bit of exploration off the most obvious path. Pay attention to trail markers.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers incredible photo ops, from the lush, moss-covered forest to the dramatic ocean vistas and cliffside panoramas. Drone photography is also popular here for unique aerial shots.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for coastal shots. Midday can offer clear, bright views but may have harsher shadows.
The end of the trail offers the most expansive ocean views. Keep an eye out for smaller, unofficial paths that might lead to even more secluded viewpoints.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the coastline or wildlife. Consider a polarizing filter for the ocean.
Drone usage is often permitted in state parks, but regulations can vary. Check with Oregon State Parks for current drone policies before flying.
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