Necarney Creek and Cedar Crossing Loop

The Necarney Creek and Cedar Crossing Loop is located within Oswald West State Park. Parking is typically available at the main Oswald West State Park trailhead, which provides access to the trail system.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to hike the trails within Oswald West State Park, including the Necarney Creek and Cedar Crossing Loop. The park is free to access.

Yes, dogs are permitted on this trail. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash to protect wildlife and for the safety of other hikers.

The trail is accessible year-round. However, for the most pleasant experience, late spring through early fall offers milder weather. During the rainy season, some sections, especially near creek beds or if attempting to reach Necarney Falls, might be muddier or involve more challenging navigation around natural obstacles.

You'll experience a diverse landscape, starting with a descent into a vibrant rainforest with old-growth Sitka spruce. The path follows Necarney Creek, sometimes requiring navigation through creek beds. A notable feature is a suspension bridge over Necarney Creek. Beyond the dense woodland, the trail opens into meadows offering stunning ocean views and leads to spur trails overlooking Devil's Cauldron and Neahkahnie Mountain.

The loop is generally considered easy to moderately trafficked with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most skill levels. However, be aware that reaching specific features like Necarney Falls can involve more challenging sections, including bushwhacking, rock hopping, and navigating around downed trees.

Key highlights include the lush old-growth forest, a scenic suspension bridge over Necarney Creek, and meadows where elk are often seen. You'll also find stunning ocean views from cliffs overlooking Devil's Cauldron and vistas of Neahkahnie Mountain. The trail also provides direct access to Short Sand Beach.

Yes, the Necarney Creek and Cedar Crossing Loop is part of an excellent trail network. It connects with the Oregon Coast Trail, Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway, TransAmerica Trail (Oregon), Cedar Crossing Trail, and Necarney Creek Trail, allowing for various loop options and extended hikes within the park.

The meadows along the trail are frequently visited by elk. You can also expect to see various bird species and other small forest animals typical of a coastal rainforest environment.

Yes, the main loop is largely considered family-friendly due to its easy to moderate difficulty and minimal elevation gain. The diverse scenery, including the suspension bridge and beach access, can be very engaging for children. Just be mindful that some off-shoot paths, like those to Necarney Falls, might be more challenging for younger hikers.