Hiking the Cape Falcon Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
The Cape Falcon Trail in Oswald West State Park on the northern Oregon Coast is a beautiful and relatively easy out-and-back adventure to a dramatic seaside overlook above Cape Falcon to the north and Smuggler Cove to the south.
That said, the Cape Falcon Trail, at roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 km) each way, is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the northern Oregon Coast—if you happen to get lucky with clear weather.
I say "lucky" because the northern Oregon Coast is notorious for being much cloudier than the southern Oregon Coast, but if you happen to be visiting when the weather is nice, I highly recommend hiking Cape Falcon for sunset—so long as you come prepared with a good headlamp for the hike back.
Cape Falcon Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cape Falcon Trail is located in a large paved parking lot just off Highway 101 or in the Short Sand Beach parking lot just down the road if the Cape Falcon lot is full.
Google Maps Directions: Cape Falcon Trailhead / Short Sand Beach Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Cape Falcon Trail
The Cape Falcon Trail is one of the easier hikes along the Oregon Coast because the elevation changes over the course of the trail are hardly noticeable.
That being said, the Cape Falcon Trail can be muddy, but even still, I believe it’s one of the better hikes on the Oregon Coast for kids.
Cape Falcon-Short Sand Beach Junction
After 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the Cape Falcon Trail meets with a short connecting trail that leads down to Short Sand Beach.
Go right to stay on the trail out to Cape Falcon.
After the Short Sand Beach Junction, the Cape Falcon Trail follows a fairly straightforward path until reaching the Arch Cape Trail just prior to Cape Falcon.
Cape Falcon-Arch Cape Junction
The trail heading straight (right) in the photo below the Arch Cape Trail that begins on the very north side of Oswald West State Park.
Go left to reach Cape Falcon located only a short distance ahead.
This photo below is the viewpoint that most hikers turn around at, but if you keep hiking a little further from the split shown in the photo just after, you can reach a much better viewpoint of Cape Falcon and the ocean below.
Cape Falcon
Warning
The views along the edge of Cape Falcon are stunning, but the exposure along the cliffs is nothing to take lightly.
Every year, it seems that locals and visitors alike die from falls off cliffs along the Oregon Coast.
Short Sand Beach Trail
If you’re interested in seeing more about the trail down to Short Sand Beach, check out my separate post below.
It’s written from the official trailhead that begins just down the road from the start of the Cape Falcon Trail.
Read My Separate Post: Short Sand Beach Trail
More Oregon Coast Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oregon Coast adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Overall, the Oregon Coast has a fairly mild climate year-round, with beautiful summers and temperatures that seldom get below the upper 30s come winter.
That being said, there are a few things to know before venturing out on some of the many trails along the coast.
First, Pacific Poison-oak is found on trails up and down the Oregon Coast, which is why it’s important to learn how to identify it before hiking any trail.
Additionally, there are black bears on the Oregon Coast, and while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
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