DAVID R. / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO DAY HIKES ALONG THE OREGON COAST TRAIL The Oregon Coast Trail stretches 425 miles (684 km), from the mouth of the Columbia River south to the state line. Along the way it hugs the coastline, crosses bays and inlets, ascends to the peaks of forested headlands and occasionally follows the winding Highway 101. Sample this trio of day hikes for wide-open bluffs, magical forests and quiet beaches. MANZANITA TO NEAHKAHNIE MOUNTAIN TRAIL A moderate hike on the North Coast with sweeping views Hike one of the newest stretches of the Oregon Coast Trail, which opened in 2020 and connects the community of Manzanita to the heights of nearby Neahkahnie Mountain. The trail steadily gains about 1,425 feet (434 m) while passing thickets of Sitka spruce, thigh-high sword ferns and dense salal bushes. It ends at a clearing just below the summit and reveals top-down views of Nehalem Bay, Manzanita and the Pacific Ocean. 804 TRAIL An easy route with open-ocean vistas on the Central Coast A flat, partly wheelchair-accessible part of the Oregon Coast Trail, the 804 Trail showcases dramatic landscapes in the heart of Yachats. Parking is available at Smelt Sands State Recreation Site, the path’s halfway point. From Smelt Sands, head north or south while basking in Pacific Ocean views and watching for gray whales offshore. Here the Yachats coastline comprises basalt outcroppings that formed more than 50 million years ago. In all, the trail measures 1.4 miles (2.3 km) round-trip. HUMBUG MOUNTAIN A challenging ascent ends with south-facing ocean views on the South Coast Take a detour from the Oregon Coast Trail, which passes through Humbug Mountain State Park near Port Orford, to ascend the mountain itself. The 5.5-mile (8.9-km) roundtrip trail climbs about 1,750 feet (530 m) while navigating an enchanting old-growth forest of myrtlewood, Douglas fir, salal and rhododendron. On the way up, enjoy occasional views north to Cape Blanco — and at the summit, peer south toward Gold Beach and the Rogue River. 804 Trail 16 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM
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