The best walks and hikes around Neahkahnie

Hike the difficult 12.1-mile Neahkahnie Mountain and Elk Flats Trail Loop for stunning coastal views and diverse Oregon Coast scenery.

The Nehalem Bay Trail Loop offers a delightful and easy 1.8-mile (2.8 km) hike, featuring a mere 28 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain and taking approximately 43 minutes. You'll journey through shaded coastal forest, along the serene Nehalem Bay, and even loop around a small airstrip, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and an unexpected landmark. The trail's flat, accessible terrain, a mix of paved and gravel, makes it ideal for a relaxed outing, with pleasant bay views and opportunities for wildlife spotting like deer and various birds.

Planning your visit to this family-friendly and dog-friendly trail is straightforward, as it's nestled within Nehalem Bay State Park. It serves as a fantastic option for those looking for a gentle walk or a break from beach activities, offering a peaceful coastal environment. The trail's easy difficulty ensures it's suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for beginners or anyone seeking a leisurely experience.

What truly sets the Nehalem Bay Trail Loop apart is its distinctive setting on a four-mile-long sand spit, positioned between the vast Pacific Ocean and the calm Nehalem Bay. This unique location, combined with the trail's path around an airstrip, makes it a notable feature of the Oregon Coast. It's a versatile loop that welcomes both hikers and bikers, providing a refreshing way to experience the park's picturesque coastal dunes and wide sandy beaches.

Embark on an easy hike through a lush coastal forest, where towering old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees create a serene canopy overhead. The trail gently descends, largely following Short Sand Creek, providing a soothing natural soundtrack as you make your way towards the ocean. This short 0.5-mile (0.8 km) route, with no elevation gain, leads you to the secluded Short Sand Beach. You can expect to complete this pleasant journey in about 13 minutes, arriving at a picturesque cove with views of the Pacific Ocean and seasonal Blumenthal Falls.

Planning your visit to Short Sand Beach is straightforward, making it an ideal outing for many. You will find ample parking available at the main lot within Oswald West State Park, providing easy access to the trailhead. The route is considered family-friendly and dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your loved ones along. Its gentle slope and wide path also make it suitable for strollers or wagons, ensuring a comfortable approach to the beach for everyone. The trail conveniently passes safely under Highway 101, avoiding any road crossings.

This trail stands out as one of the most popular routes within Oswald West State Park, thanks to its unique natural features. At Short Sand Beach, you can explore fascinating tide pools during low tide, offering a glimpse into marine life. The seasonal Blumenthal Falls adds to the scenic beauty, cascading directly into the sea. This combination of forest, creek, and ocean views makes it a distinctive and highly regarded destination along the coast.

The Sunset and Nehalem Beach Walk offers a truly relaxing coastal experience, guiding you along soft, expansive sandy beaches and through gentle coastal dunes. You'll be treated to continuous, expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, with the chance to spot seals near the Nehalem River mouth. This 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike is rated moderate, but with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, it's more about the distance than the climb, making it an easy hike for most.

Plan your visit to Nehalem Bay State Park, where the trail begins, and you'll find ample parking. This route is especially popular for its stunning sunsets, so consider an afternoon start to catch the golden hour. The trail is also very dog-friendly, allowing your furry companions to roam off-leash on the beach if they're under voice control.

What sets this trail apart is its unique location on a four-mile-long sand spit, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay. This creates a distinctive coastal ecosystem with lush shore pine forests and tranquil estuarine waters, offering a varied landscape beyond just the beach. It's a fantastic option for those seeking easy hikes in the Nehalem Beach area.