Hiking the South Cape Lookout Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
The South Cape Lookout Trail on the northern Oregon Coast is one of the least-trafficked day hikes in Cape Lookout State Park, as the trail descends between 800 and 900 ft. (244–274 m) of elevation from the trailhead to the beach below.
That being said, the South Cape Lookout Trail descends some 16 switchbacks from the Cape Lookout Trail to the beach, which might sound like a lot, but it’s actually a great way to break up this much elevation change.
Furthermore, since most visitors come to Cape Lookout State Park for the Cape Lookout Trail, only a fraction venture onto the South Cape Lookout Trail—meaning those willing to explore this alternative hike are more than likely to enjoy a secluded beach without the crowds that inevitably visit other parts of the park!
South Cape Lookout Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cape Lookout Trail is located just off Cape Lookout Road in a large open parking lot for the state park.
Even though these photos make the parking lot look very big, Cape Lookout is a popular destination, and the lot will fill up fast during the busy summer season.
Google Maps Directions: South Cape Lookout 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 South Cape Lookout Trail
The Cape Lookout State Park Trailhead is the start of three different trails, which all begin right next to each other.
Follow the Cape/ South Trail for the hike down to the South Cape Lookout Beach.
South Cape Lookout Trail Junction
Shortly after the trailhead, the turn for the South Cape Lookout Trail will split off to the left.
South Cape Lookout Trail
After the South Trail split, the hike will descend a series of about 16 switchbacks—depending on how you count—from the junction to the beach down below.
Toward the middle of the hike, the South Trail will follow one long switchback, which is where you’ll start to get the first views of the beach down below.
In my mind, these views were a good mental checkpoint, both on the way up and down.
Just before the beach, the South Trail will really start to open up, and as you can see, I was the only one in either direction on this beautiful, secluded stretch of sand!
South Cape Lookout Trail Beach
Overall, if you were trying to decide which trail to hike, I recommend hiking the South Trail over the North Cape Lookout Trail.
I say this because the South Trail Beach is a much more secluded area, as opposed to the North Trail, which features a drive-up picnic area as well as a campground for the state park.
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!
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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
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