Cape Lookout Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: A few hundred feet each direction
Access: Paved Roads
Cape Lokoout is a densely forested headland that protrudes far out into the Pacific Ocean. The trail winds up and down and all around working its way to the very end. Get to the end and you are so far from the coast, the views really are just a lot of ocean water....less dramatic than the beginning of the hike. But the tip of the cape offers prime whale watching during Gray whale migrations. Most of the hike is through lush Sitka Spruce and western hemlock forests with no views. Along the way is the occasional view or views down cliffs to (sometimes noisy) sea bird sanctuaries. To me, the hike was more interesting just knowing the location of where it was and how unique it is, the views were not particularly grand. The final mile can be muddy.
Oregon Hiking Trails
Access
The trailhead parking area is 2.6 miles south of the Cape Lookout State Park Campground Entrance on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
Viewable from the Cape Lookout Viewpoint
Looking North (from mid-way):
Tillamook Head - 42 Miles
Cape Flacon - 30 Miles
Cape Meares - 10 Miles
Three Arch Rocks - 9 Miles
Looking South
Cape Kiwanda - 8 Miles
Haystack Rock - 9 Miles
Cascade Head - 20 Miles
Cape Foulweather - 39 Miles
Trailhead
View over lots of water
Trail near the end
Looking back to the mainland from the end of the cape
Bench at the end of the trail
Trees blocking views north at the end of the maintained trail
South Beach - BSA Camp Meriwether - Sand Lake Recreation Area
South to Sand Lake Recreation Area
Netarts Spit - Cape Lookout State Park
Stay on the trail
Trail near the end
Viewing area at the end of Cape Lookout
Looking down from the end of Cape Lookout