Oregon Coast on the Cheap
by mtncorg about Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout State Park lies about 12 miles west of Tillamook on the south end of Netarts Bay. It is semiwild, the road south really wasn't improved until about 30 years ago. There is a large campground here with yurts and even a few cabins to rent for those not used to sleeping under the trees. The campground is very popular and during the summer, you really need to get reservations ahead of time .... unless, you are riding your bicycle along the Coast route - see Bicycle Girl's description and Caschaeiro for more on that kind of trip; also, if your are hiking the Oregon Coastal trail, you can find a spot, too. But, if you have a RV, trailer or are doing a car camping trip - then get reservations in the summer and weekends on the shoulder season. This park has a wonderful beach which stretches for 5 miles from the headland of the Cape to the mouth of Netarts Bay. The area surrounding is very gorgeous; Cape Meares, Oceanside to the north; Sandlake and Cape Kiwanda to the south. Best time to visit would be September - October midweek after Labor Day holidays take the kids back to school. It is a popular campground, being only an hour and a half from Portland, but it is popular for a reason. The beach is superlative. The water, cold, just like everywhere on the Oregon Coast - California is only minimally better in this regard. Hiking is possible on the local section of the Oregon Coastal Trail - which runs from the South Jetty on the mouth of the Columbia; the northern border; to the California border south of Brookings/Harbor. The trail goes up an old abandoned road for 2.4 miles from the picnic area of the park - just south of the campground areas - and links up with the trail which goes out to the tip of the Cape - another 2.5 miles. Both trails go through heavy forest. Mushrooms await those who know. Care should be taken if the trail is wet - which can be often. Some steps are made from log ends - a bad choice when they are wet.
CAPE KIWANDA STATE PARK
by mtncorg
This dayuse only state park protects the marvelous headland of Cape Kiwanda. It is a very popular park. From the large parking lot on the south side of the cape, right next to the Pelican Brewpub, you walk straight out onto the beach. Cars are allowed on the beach marring the scene somewhat, though most vehicles are involved in launching their dory boats from the ocean's edge into the surf beyond. Face right and you see the headland of the Cape jutting out into the waters with Haystack Rock a short ways offshore. To get up on the headland, you have to climb a huge sand dune from where you can wander the cliffs up high, watching as the surf below carves slowly away.
CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK
by mtncorg
From Tillamook - the largest town in the area on US 101 - there is a scenic road that goes off from the main highway called the Three Capes Scenic Drive. It is signed throughout, so just follow the signs. The road, passing through Pacific City, includes Cape Kiwanda as one of the 'Three Capes'. Just to the north, about 7 miles, lies Cape Lookout, stretching far out into the sea. More about Cape Lookout in my Oceanside tips.
Cape Kiwanda III
by mtncorg
Watching the waves crash into the rocks can be quite addictive. You count the wave series in anticipation of the next big CRASH! Underneath many of the cliffs, caves and rock arches churn with the boiling surf.
Photos
Cliffs along Cape Kiwanda
Haystack Rock and Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda beach
Waves pound the cliffs at Cape Kiwanda
Forum Posts
Visiting Portland....
by josh_daemon
Hey, I am in Portland for a few weeks, and my best friend is flying out this weekend to hang out and see the area. He said that he wants to rent four wheelers or dune buggies and go on the sand dunes or forest trails. Obviously we are a couple of city boys, so I am really looking forward to it. The closest place I could find was down in Florence. We really don't have the time to drive all the way down there with him only being in town for the weekend. Does anyone know of anyplace closer to the Tilimook or Seaside area? Maybe some other suggestions as what to do too?
RE: Visiting Portland....
by andreas81
Yes....there's sand Lake, just west of tillamook, sort of nicknamed the "other sand dunes on the oregon coast." You'll find it between cape kiwanda and cape lookout, on the three capes tour. Lots of ATV's rumbling around there. Easiest way is head down hwy 6 from portland....little over and hour....to Tillamook. then head to oceanside/cape lookout area, and go south.
a little quicker is head to tillamook, then head south on 101 about 12 miles until you reach sand lake road. take that right....kind of winds....but recently improved, so it's nice. it'll take you within a half mile of the Sand Lake recreation area.
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