Flowers on Cape Foulweather (Steve Hart)

The cliffs of Cape Foulweather (Steve Hart)

Early morning ocean view from the Cape Foulweather Viewpoint (Steve Hart)

• Start point: Cape Foulweather Trailhead
• End point: Cape Foulweather Viewpoint
• Hike Type: Out and back
• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 120 feet
• High point: 205 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: Year round
• Family Friendly: No
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

This hike isn't a hike for hardcore hikers as much as an escape for the weary. If you're a tourist needing a bit of time away from tourism, or a couple at the beach with a few hours away from the kids, this is the trail for you (the clifftop exposure makes this walk unsuitable for younger children). Cape Foulweather was named in March 1778 by Captain James Cook, the first headland he sighted on the coast of what he called New Albion, now Oregon.

At the Cape Foulweather Trailhead, look for a faint path through the grass starting about the middle of the long guard rail. Follow this path down to the left. As the trail enters the timber, it becomes obvious that this is a maintained trail on an abandoned spur road. After about 100 yards, turn right onto a single track that switchbacks down the hillside. In short order you'll emerge at a small clifftop meadow.

Angle left and walk a use path southward. After you round an inlet, you'll have a choice of continuing on an easy cliffside path or a more strenuous, yet safer, path through the underbrush. Both trails lead to the a second meadow that we've called the Cape Foulweather Viewpoint. From here, you have a great view of the cliffs of Cape Foulweather, Gull Rock, and a distant Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It's a great place to watch the sun go down as long as you've got a flashlight in your pocket.

To return, start back the way you came; then head straight up the abandoned road to the trailhead.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Regulations or restrictions, etc

• Take care on exposed sections of trail

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Cape Foulweather

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Cape Foulweather

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• none

More Links

• Cape Foulweather (Travel Oregon)
• Cape Foulweather (Oceanscape Network)
• Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint (Oregon State Parks)

Contributors

• Stevefromdodge (creator)