I spent most of my childhood summers hiking at the Oregon Coast. Over the course of 20+ blissful years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some of the best hikes at the Oregon Coast and today I’m finally spilling the beans!

Nowhere is Oregon’s beauty more evident than in the the plethora of jaw-dropping hikes at the Oregon Coast.

And since sharing is caring, I wanted to share our personal list of the best coastal hikes in Oregon.

I dislike small talk, so let’s get to the good stuff. I hope you enjoy the post, I had a blast writing it! 🙂

Who am I and why should you trust my list of the best hikes at the Oregon Coast?

I’m a lifelong Oregonian! I was raised in Portland and spent most of my childhood hiking around the various trails in Oregon.

Shortly after meeting my husband we embarked on a whirlwind tour of Oregon state — visiting every corner and popping off at every small town we passed.

My husband films national forest and parks for a living (I know, I can’t believe that can be a real job either) and so we hike a lot!

We both thoroughly enjoy hiking (and living in Oregon) and took it upon ourselves to find the best hiking trails at the Oregon Coast to share with anyone interested in planning a trip.

Oregon Coast Hiking Tips

Practice Leave No Trace

If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)

I swear by this sunscreen (and so do 5,000+ other people), I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. It works like a charm and doesn’t leave strange residue or smells, you’ll NEVER catch me without it!

Wear hiking boots with good traction

Even though (most) trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip on the trail, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes. These are my hiking boots and I’d sleep in them if I could.

Stick to the main trail

There are a lot of social hiking trails in Oregon (social trails are created by hikers going off the main trail). These trails cause damage to sensitive areas, so stick to the clearly marked trail to preserve delicate flora and wildlife.

Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast

#11. John Dellenback Dunes Loop Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 300 feet
Nearest town: Reedsport

Few know that the Oregon coast is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the country (and one of the largest in the world)!

What better way to explore this natural wonder than by hiking the Dellenback Dunes trail? Most of the accessible areas in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is constantly full of sand buggies but the Dellenback Dunes trail is the exception because it’s specifically carved out for hikers.

This Oregon coast trail offers such a unique hiking experience because it takes you from the woods to soft sand dunes, through a forest and finally the ocean.

If you’re into jaw-dropping views of never-ending sand dunes along a pristine coastline overlooking the sea, then this is the perfect hike on the Oregon Coast for you. What’s more, solitude is possible to come by because this trail isn’t heavily trafficked.

#10. Cape Falcon Hike

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.8 miles
Nearest town: Manzanita

Sitting pretty in Oswald West State Park is the Cape Falcon Loop Trail is a breathtaking Oregon coast hike that passes through impressive vistas and takes you through a striking coastal forest before ultimately spitting you out at Cape Falcon which offers expansive breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you choose to detour to Short Sand Beach keep your eyes out for surfers! Adrenaline-fueled surfers flock to this beach for waves.

#9. Cape Perpetua Trail | Central Oregon Coast Hike

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.8 miles
Nearest town: Yachats

It’s no secret that the Oregon coast is chock-full of stunning capes, but what separates Cape Perpetua from the others are the numerous tide pools that pepper the various viewpoints throughout the trail.

The breathtaking Pacific Ocean is straddled by an impressive road that separates an old-growth forest from the sea — it’s a magical landscape you have to see to believe.

Spend time exploring the mesmerizing tide pools in this area but make sure you have proper footwear (hiking shoes with great traction are a must here) because slips are all but guaranteed along this Oregon coast trail.

The trail meanders through a fantastic old-growth spruce forest laden with moss before delivering you to a viewpoint that overlooks 150 miles of coastline.

#8. Cape Kiwanda

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Nearest town: Pacific City

Cape Kiwanda is one of my favorite coastal hikes in Oregon because it’s easy and the rewarding views are worth the (minimal) effort! I remember doing this hike as a kid and thinking the hike up the sand dune was an impossible feat.

Thankfully it got easier over the years but my heart is still pumping by the time I reach the top of the sand dune. At the top, follow the trail to the vista and find yourself rewarded with striking views of sandstone cliffs.

#7. Cape Lookout Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 miles
Nearest town: Tillamook

Cape Lookout is arguably the most famous cape at the coast, so it’s only fitting that its home to one of the best hikes at the Oregon Coast as well. Cape Lookout juts an impressive 1.5 miles into the Pacific Ocean so you better believe the views from the lookout are some of the best one the entire coast!

Image courtesy of Spirit of the Woods

#6. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Distance: 5 miles
Nearest town: Manzanita

If your idea of a great Oregon coast hike is a breathtaking view of the expansive sandy coastline then you need not look further than the Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, which overlooks Nehalem Bay.

The trail leads directly up a steep mountain face, so prepare to get your heart pumping. You’ll also need hiking boots with good traction to avoid slips because the trail is known to get muddy and exposed roots are common.

Since this Oregon coast trail is only 2.5 miles each way, it’s easily the best bang for your buck!

Image courtesy of Manzanita

#5. Cascade Head Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation: 1,300 feet
Nearest town: Lincoln City

Sitting at the divide between the north and central Oregon coast, the Cascade Head trail is arguably one of the most stunning hikes at the Oregon coast. The trail leads you through a healthy coastal forest that follows along the sea before spitting you out at a breathtaking viewpoint.

Photo credit: Jarett Juarez via NW Travel Magazine

#4. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail | Oregon Coast Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation: 62 feet
Nearest town: Brookings

If we were rating this Oregon trail on scenery alone it’d be number #1 on my list of best hikes at the Oregon Coast because of the jaw-dropping views. However, the hike itself is rather short and remote, so I’m moving it down to #4 but it’s still completely worth the effort.

If you find yourself at the south end of the Oregon Coast (right near the California-Oregon border), you would be mistaken to skip this easy Oregon hike that is great for all skill levels — assuming you stop at the viewpoint pictured above and don’t go down to the actual natural bridge!

From this vantage point you will see the best of Oregon’s iconic coast — the exemplary rocky coastline and miles of old-growth forests. It’s downright breathtaking!

This Oregon Coast hike has grown in popularity thanks to Instagram. A lot of hikers choose to hike on top of the natural bridge pictured above but in my opinion the social trail is steep and dangerous and not worth the risk.

#3. Clatsop Loop Trail | Ecola State Park

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation: 900 feet
Nearest town: Cannon Beach

The Clatsop Loop Trail is an iconic Oregon trail that leads through old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast and rewards hikers with sweeping vistas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take note, this Oregon hike is notorious for being muddy so bring hiking shoes with good traction (that you don’t mind getting dirty).

The hike starts on the north side of Indian Beach and ascends 900 feet before reaching a viewpoint that overlooks Tillamook Head Lighthouse. I consider this a great introduction for hiking at the Oregon Coast because the views are guaranteed to impress and will keep you coming back for more.

Fact: Ecola State Park got its name from the Chinook word for whale — “ekkoli.”

Image courtesy of Cannon Beach

#2. Fort to Sea Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12 mile loop
Nearest town: Astoria

My favorite part about this Oregon coast hike is that it offers the best of both worlds — enchanting moss-laden old growth forests and arresting views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hike starts at Fort Clatsop and meanders through a temperate rain-forest before reaching Sunset Beach. At 12-miles round trip, this is a hearty hike at the Oregon Coast but it’s also one of the best because of the diversity in landscapes.

Image courtesy of Travel Oregon

#1. God’s Thumb via The Knoll | Best Oregon Coast Hike

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation: 1,130 feet
Nearest town: Lincoln City

God’s Thumb via The Knoll is an iconic Oregon hike located at the beautiful Oregon Coast. The steep cliff that juts out towards the sea is shaped like a giant thumb, earning the colorful moniker “God’s Thumb.”

Knowing where to park your car is the most confusing part about this entire hike! Here’s coordinates to the closest parking lot. If that lot is full, your best bet — to avoid getting cited or towed — is to park at Road’s End State Recreation Site and walk along the road until you reach the trailhead.

Note: None of the trail signs read “God’s Thumb” because this hike is officially known as “The Knoll.” Follow signs that lead toward The Knoll.

The trail meanders through a dense spruce forest known for being extremely muddy after rainfall. Continue down the trail until you reach the God’s Thumb viewpoint and soak in the views before beginning the sharp ascent to the summit.

From the top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled breathtaking views of Oregon’s vast coastline and large stretches of Lincoln City. It’s an incredible experience, which is why this is easily one of the best hikes in Oregon!

Note: Good hiking boots are a must on this hike because the trail is steep and gets slippery even during dry days.

The crème de la crème of Oregon Coast hikes

The Oregon Coast Trail

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 363 miles

Alright my friends, we’re saving the BEST for last! If you’d like to see everything the breathtaking Oregon coast has to offer than the Oregon Coast Trail is the right hike for you.

This hike spans an impressive 383 miles and covers the entire length of the Oregon coastline. This Oregon coast hike is no easy feat and the trail is challenging to follow in certain parts. You’ll need to walk along the shoulder of U.S. 101 (which gets dangerous) and ask for boat rides to cross rivers are various points.

If you’re looking for a challenge, this is without a doubt the most challenging hike at the Oregon coast. Here’s a helpful trip report on hiking the Oregon Coast Trail (you thrill seeker, you).