Clatsop Loop Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Indian Beach Trailhead
, Ecola State Park
- End point: Hikers Camp
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation gain: 700 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: All
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: Only on summer weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
Take the kids along on this hike through a forest of big trees to visit some World War II bunkers and a viewpoint of the Tillamook Lighthouse.
The trail begins behind the restrooms and is well signed. To make this a loop, head straight up on the gravel service road. The footbridge you see on the left will be your return trip.
Although the ascent on the gravel road does not give the spectacular ocean vistas, you will get a birds eye view into the canopy of this maturing coastal forest. Most of Tillamook Head was logged 100-150 years ago, however some giants do remain.
After almost a mile and half, your path flattens out, and a trail crosses the road. If you want to add some mileage, you can turn right on the trail and head to the summit of Tillamook head, another mile and half through the forested ridgetop. Before turning back, be sure to head past the Hikers Camp, to the viewpoint of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
Once you are ready to head down, find your return trail behind the outhouse. This portion of the trail can become very overgrown in the summer, but offers several spectacular viewpoints of Indian Beach and postcard views of the Cannon Beach seastacks.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Ecola State Park has a fee of 3$ per day.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Clatsop Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Clatsop Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes on the Oregon Coast, by William L. Sullivan
More Links
- Brochure for the trail markers along this hike
- The Story of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
- Close-up photo of the lighthouse taken in 2006 by Michael Cruson
- Recent History of the lighthouse
Contributors
- CFM (creator)