Does the perfect hike exist? Yes, and it is Cape Falcon. Weave through coastal forest to a cliff-top meadow overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Neahkahnie Mountain, and the iconic Falcon Rock.
This hike really is a dream come true - just long enough (6 miles), just challenging enough (moderate terrain), with absolutely stunning views (arguably the most beautiful place I've ever been!)
Step off the highway and into the forest, full of old-growth, legendary trees lining the ravines and Short Sand Creek. We went in November so the path was crazy muddy, but there were just enough logs and roots to hop from one to the other (still worth bringing an extra pair of shoes and socks for your way home!)
Soon you'll start to catch small glimpses through the trees revealing a view down and out several hundred feet to Smuggler's Cove, a popular stretch of sandy beach stretching from Cape Falcon to Neahkanie Mountain. We saw countless surfers riding the waves - tiny dots bobbing on the tide from this distance.
After you cross a small creek, take the short side path to catch a view of a nice waterfall on its way to the ocean... AND your first views across the bay to the mountain!
About 2 miles in you’ll reach a fork in the path. Take the right path to enter the Pacific Crest Trail - just for 5 or 10 minutes for spectacular views of rocky crags and cliff faces looming grandly over the sea.
Maybe you'll see a sea lion or two!
Then head back to the main trail and duck through the shrubs and brush to emerge at the trail summit, a sunny meadow atop a 200 foot high cliff. There's room to explore the panorama - new views of the rocky crags to the North, Neahkanie Mountain to the South, the Costal Range and Smuggler’s Cove back East, and endless ocean to the West.
Tiny trails weave through the brush - take your time to explore the different perspectives and take in the scene before you. Honestly it was hard to settle my gaze on one spot, as every direction was such a treat for the eyes and soul.
After we'd drank our fill of the once-in-life-time views, we dashed back through the forest, barely making it back to Smuggler's Cove in time to catch the final rays of sunset beaming across the beach.
*Can die happy now!*
Distance from Portland: 1 hour 45 min / 90 miles
Hike length: 6 miles total (out and back)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Pretty easy
Check out our video to get a feel for the hike!
תגובות