Due to the coronavirus, The Nature Conservancy had closed the Cascade Head Trail and remained closed for National Naked Hiking on June 21st. U.S. forest service will open the Siuslaw National Forest on July 15. On Saturday, July 25th we’ll once again Wander Bare up Cascade Head, truly an amazing place on the Oregon Coast.
Cascade Head trail is steep in areas 7 miles in and out with a 1200-foot elevation gain. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. Also, this is a moderately used trail, you may want to have a sarong to cover up with when we meet other hikers.
The climb steep in areas, sometimes on stairs through an old-growth coastal forest. Doug fir and spruce dominate the area. The trail crosses a couple of small streams on new bridges, then enters a virtual tunnel of undergrowth. Leaving the forest and enter the headland meadow. The views are immediately tremendous to the south. The Salmon River Estuary dominates an ocean view that extends to Lincoln City. There’s a small oasis of trees is a draw, then the trail again hits the open slopes. The trail traverses along the ridge at about the 500-foot level, finally coming to a northern view, down a cliff to the Pacific. From there, the trail switches back to begin climbing the slope. After several switchbacks, it levels out somewhat at the 1200-foot level at the upper viewpoint. There is a semi-secret field above the upper viewpoint. Where we can sunbathe, and enjoy the 360-degree views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Expect 3 and a half to 4 hours.

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