If you were to see 5 to 10 touristic photos of the Oregon Coast, one of them would most likely be of the view of Cascade Head and the Pacific Ocean slightly north of Lincoln City, Oregon. Regardless, this photo will then become etched in your brain and you will want to see this vista. The photo may be labeled as Cascade Head and it might even indicate that it's close to Lincoln City. However, explanations on how to get there are not always so clear. Here, some persistence is needed and it's better to corroborate what you read with area locals, if possible.
The Cascade Head experience is quite different from the Drift Creek Falls experience. The latter is an inland Oregon forest experience while the latter is the quintessential Oregon Coast experience. Right away, there are a few favorable things to know. First, this experience is free, just as are the best things in life. Second, this experience is easier to experience by the much shorter trail to the top ... the approaches to the trailheads aren't that far off US 101 (the Coast Highway) and one of them does not involve much of an ascent or a descent.
This trek can then become more complicated. If one opts for the shorter approach toward the bottom of the big hill, then the hike is longer and more strenuous. If one opts for the longer approach taking one on a more level path already at the top of this mound offering the views, then the hike is shorter and less strenuous. As is the case with so many coastal Oregon hikes, the trail may be wet, dank, and even muddy. Hiking boots are recommended. One of my Big 5 moccasin type slip-ons was snatched from me by the mud and I had to fight the mud to retrieve it. It was sort of gross. I'm thinking that sporting those hiking boots that folks in New England and in the Pacific Northwest are seemingly issued at birth might be the best way to undertake this adventure.
Haven taken the easier and shorter upper trail, accessible from US 101 and somewhat easy to miss, I can say that the final reward in terms of the Cascade Head view is superlative. The trail will go through a forest of evergreens, ultimately taking you out onto a clearing atop this promontory. You are guaranteed to be captivated by the feeling of being on top of the world and rewarded with many worthwhile photographs.
I want to give you one caveat and it doesn't have to be a big deal. When you hike in a forest, you should always look at where you're putting your feet. Many elk live on this hill. People from up high are looking down at them and people who approached from down below are looking up at them. They know bipeds are here. I'm sure they're used to them and keep their distance. However, you will see dark circular disks on the ground once you're on the clearing and meadow that offer the spectacular view. These are not cow chips or meadow muffins, but elk excrement. I'm sure that you can maintain a sense of humor if you briefly look at them, marvel at how uniform and symmetrical they are, and then quickly look away. If you stared much longer, that would make you sort of weird. However, should you step on one, I'm sure your sense of humor will evaporate almost instantaneously.
Research the approach to Cascade Head that's right for you and your party. Hike responsibly. Watch your step. And, lastly, be prepared to be mesmerized by one of the more emblematic and famous vistas along the Oregon Coast. read more