Cape Lookout
4.6 mi
Distance
1 hrs 50 min
Time
terrain
741 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a medium difficulty out and back trail to Cape Lookout in Cape Lookout State Park. Trail is fairly flat overall, but includes a number of muddy sections which can be interesting to navigate after rainfall. Wonderfully scenic views with excellent whale watching in the spring.
Getting Started
Park at the cape lookout trailhead, this hike can be very crowded in the spring when whale watching is at it's peak.
Taking Children
There is a falling hazard, 400 ft. cliffs but it is not technically challenging nor dangerous, just don't fall.
This is an alternate route for Cape Lookout Trail.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
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Spectacular scenery, old-growth forests, whales, and the ocean of course make for probably the best hike on the coast. You will almost certainly run into crowds in all but the worst weather though. You can see by the other photos that much of the area is well trampled by people short cutting switchbacks and blazing their own trails too.
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Public Tracks
Tuesday Lunch Activity
December 2025 sunny 50 degrees no wind muddy roots 2nd half of the trail. Use trekking poles.
Nehalem Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/19573746153
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