JEREMY BURKE 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. CAPE LOOKOUT TRAIL Moderate hike on the North Coast with vistas and whales You’ll leave the Oregon Coast Trail behind on this 5.5-mile (8.9-km) round-trip hike to the westernmost tip of Cape Lookout. The scenic path — which climbs a mostly gradual 1,350 feet (411 m) — rewards hikers with wide-open ocean vistas and occasional views of Cape Kiwanda to the south. Springtime whale-watching is a popular pastime on the rocky headland; no matter the season, consider a midweek or early-morning trek for a quieter experience. AMANDA TRAIL Easy hike for all ages on the Central Coast Experience the region’s natural beauty while paying respect to its dark past on the first part of the Amanda Trail, which acts as a memorial to the forced relocation of the region’s Natives. This 1-mile (1.6-km) stretch takes hikers to the Amanda Statue, a monument honoring a Coos woman whose 1800s injustice is storied on nearby signs. Wind through the dense understory of a Sitka spruce forest and past overlooks of rocky churns. For a challenge, continue on to the full trail’s 7.4 miles (11.9 km). CAPE SEBASTIAN TRAIL Challenging hike descends to quiet cove on the Southern Coast Magnificent views are the reward on the trail at Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor south of Gold Beach. They continue to improve on the 3.8-mile (6.1-km) round-trip hike. Begin at a trailhead high above the Pacific, then head down about 600 feet (183 m) through hallways of salal bushes and Sitka spruce to reach secluded Hunters Cove. Follow the final stretch of trail (with the help of some cables for balance) as it dips to the coastline. Amanda Trail 16 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==