Located on the south end of Seaside, the 6-mile Tillamook Head trail is a classic coastal hike that should be on every hiker’s bucket list. With dramatic views, verdant old-growth forest and remnants of the area’s historic past, the Tillamook Head trail can be hiked as a north-to-south shuttle or in sections. (To hike the entire route as outlined here, you can either leave a car at Cannon Beach, plan to take the local bus back to Seaside or call a cab when you’re done.) Start your excursion with a hearty breakfast at a favorite local restaurant such as Ocean Bakery Café or Osprey Café. For some extra mileage and a chance to see more of Seaside, you can walk to the trailhead from town (about 2.5 miles). Stroll along the beachfront Promenade and watch the atmosphere become more tranquil as you move away from the busy shops and restaurants lining Broadway Street. The view of the beautiful sandy beach over the railing just might make you want to linger for a bit and dip your toes in the surf. South of town, the great green mass of Tillamook Head looms over the ocean. The trail begins just inside of Elmer Feldenheimer State Natural Area. The trail’s tourism record dates to the early 1800s, when the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery traveled here on their exploration of the West. They documented the area in their journals, and the hike is now part of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Hikers will find the steepest portion of the route within the first 2 miles. After the highest point (1,130 feet), the trail descends gradually. It’s a beautiful hike through towering Sitka spruce and giant sword ferns until the trail suddenly pops out on the Tillamook Head viewpoint, where you can take in dazzling views of the Pacific. A bit farther on past the viewpoint, you’ll come to the remains of a World War II bunker that housed a radar installation during the war. The old concrete structure is nearly hidden in the mossy green woods. The route then passes through a hikers’ camp (a good option for an overnight trip) and onto another stunning viewpoint — this time of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse standing sentinel offshore on its lonely island. The lighthouse operated from 1881 to 1957 and was nicknamed “Terrible Tilly” for the winter storms it endured. Legend says it’s haunted. From here the trail follows the cliff line, offering views of seabirds hovering on the ocean breeze and, eventually, surfers catching waves at Indian Beach. You can turn around here and head back to the trailhead for your post-hike reward at Sea Star Gelato or SISU Beer at the Times Theatre. Or you can head across a footbridge over Indian Creek, into the parking lot of Indian Beach, and have a friend shuttle you back. WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Oregon’s original beach resort, Seaside offers much more for after your hike. It’s a popular spot with families for its wide sandy beach, fun attractions lining Broadway and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. For maps and other info, contact the Seaside Visitors Bureau (7 N. Roosevelt Drive, 503.738.3097), or visit SeasideOR.com for more trip ideas. Seaside Hiking Catch a glimpse of a legendary lighthouse on this dramatic 6-mile coastal ramble. Tillamook Head Trail DON FRANK / SEASIDE VISITORS BUREAU 59 PortlandUncovered.com
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