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Neahkahnie Mountain Trail

Nehalem, Oregon

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

3.3 miles

Elevation Gain

1142 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jennie Sprigings

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail offers amazing views over the pacific. Huge rewards for a relatively short hike (~3.5 miles) with easy access to the trail from Route 101. Perfect 1/2 day hike for your Oregon Coast roadie.

This hike can be done as either a loop or an out-and-back beginning from either the North or the South trailhead, both located off Route 101. If opting for the loop you will have to walk ~1 mile on the highway to connect back to your starting point. Since we were hiking with our kids we wanted to avoid the highway portion, and so started and ended at the North trailhead, which has parking directly across from it.

The trail climbs continuously, but the grade is forgiving and the scenery certainly makes the effort worthwhile. Our daughters, ages 5 & 7, really enjoyed the trail, and were especially pleased with the rewarding summit view. They are active kids who are (for the most part) enthusiastic hikers, but even still we did pull out the jelly bean stash about 1/2 mile from the summit to provide a little extra incentive. I would recommend this hike to other families who have hiked previously with their kids, but not for an intro to hiking. In my experience it is better to start with something you know will be successful and get a feel for each child's individual stamina.

The first section of the trail climbs immediately and is cut through a impenetrable thicket of Salal. You will quickly gain views over the Pacific and looking north to stunning coastal cliffs before hitting the switchbacks and entering into a dense, moss-covered forest. The trail continues to switch higher, then you'll drop into a bit of a saddle before climbing again to the south summit. There's a small switchback and finally you'll come to an open rocky area. Don't miss the very steep path up to a peak for the breathtaking views of Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita and the beach all the way to the mouth of the Nehalem River. This is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch, and you'll surely want to snap a few pictures.

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Features

Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail Reviews

We started from the Short Sands Trail carpark and walked through the trails along the west side of the highway, including taking pictures from Treasure Cove. Then proceeded to do the hike from the east side of the highway. In hindsight I would do these separately in future as it was about 14 miles of hiking, mostly in mud (after all the rain we have had the last few months. Hiked 30th April 2017). A rock scramble to the top with at great view. Once we got back to the highway we walked back on the highway to the carpark at Short Sands. Fun times!!

Beautiful hike! I started at the South trail and would highly suggest to start on North side or do the "loop." The loop consisted of walking on the highway but the old growth forest on the north side was very enjoyable.

I do this hike every year when we visit Manzanita. Alway enjoy it. Views are just incredible! Nice job!

Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Short Sands Beach

Surf Smuggler Cove

Cape Falcon Trail

Neahkahnie Mountain via South Trailhead

Camp at Nehalem Bay State Park

Hug Point Waterfall and Cave