8 Amazing Oregon Coast Hikes You Must Do Part 1
Tillamook Head Traverse Trail
This is part one of the series “8 Amazing Oregon Coast Hikes You Must Do”. From Seaside to Lincoln City, experience everything from an abandoned World War II bunker, migrating whales, lighthouses, a 240-foot suspension bridge, and magnificent coastal capes. This list is perfect for your weekend at the coast or a hiking getaway. Lace up your boots and call your friends. It’s time for a taste of the natural wonders that Oregon has to offer. Remember to pack your camera for these 8 amazing hikes along the Oregon Coast. You will have plenty of opportunity for some spectacular pictures.
Tillamook Head Traverse Trail
Tillamook Head is actually the farthest point west that the Lewis and Clark expedition reached. History suggests that the group ventured here to buy whale blubber from Native Americans near Cannon Beach. With the highest point of 1,130 feet, a breathtaking adventure awaits as you walk into this temperate rain forest south of Seaside. Start this 6.1mile (each way) moderate hike at the Tillamook Head Trailhead. A day use fee of $5.00 is required to enter the state park so be sure to plan ahead for that.
Introducing Terrible Tilly
From the trailhead, follow the trail southwards towards Hikers Camp where you will find three small log cabin style shelters, a covered picnic area, and a tent camping area. Not far from here you will be greeted with a view of the Tillamook Head lighthouse. A decommissioned lighthouse that earned the nickname “Terrible Tilly” due to isolation, constant storms and the challenges it presented to the lighthouse staff. One can imagine what shift change might have been like! Terrible Tilly sits atop a basalt sea stack about a mile off the coast.
Head to the Abandoned Bunker
On one of the next stops along the way, you will discover an abandoned concrete structure that is reported to either be a World War II bunker that was used as a radar station or the decommissioned power station for the lighthouse. It has been referred to as both so enjoy the mystery and decide for yourself. Either way, you might find it to be a bit spooky. With plenty of stories surrounding the nearby graveyard of the Pacific to get your imagination going, you will have fun pondering this spot.
Take a Stroll at Sandy Indian Beach
For the perfect end to this hike, continue to head south towards Indian Beach. This is a semi-secluded beach where you can watch the surfers, walk along the beach and search for treasures. You’ll also enjoy magnificent views of sea stacks, catch a peek at the local wildlife like deer, elk and a variety of birds. If you head towards the south end of Indian Beach, you will discover some tide pools that are waiting for you to explore. If visiting in late March, you might even spot migrating Gray Whales.
For more information on this hike and the surrounding area, be sure to click here.
Here is a Useful Tip
If you are not looking to do a 12+ mile hike, consider taking two vehicles and leaving one at the end of your hike at Indian Beach so you can catch a ride back to the beginning. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to park overnight at either end of the trail.
