CAPE PERPETUA HIKING TRAILS

THE OREGON COAST TRAIL

(Click on picture for an enlarged or close-up view)

By Betty Langdon

Our group usually hikes the loop from the Visitors' Center parking lot to the Oregon Coast Trail which joins the Gwynn's Creek/Cook's Ridge trail that leads back to the parking lot.

Although there are many different trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty in Cape Perpetua, we prefer starting out on the Oregon Coast Trail as it is a good warm-up for the more difficult Gwynn's Creek hike ahead.

To reach the Oregon Coast Trail toward Highway 101 from the parking lot. Just before reaching the highway the well-marked trailhead appears to the south of the road. It is a moderate fairly level walk. The hike starts out in an open portion of the trail softly shaded by trees. In the spring and summer a few wildflowers grow along the edges of the trail and in a dry summer pine needles covering the trail crunch under our boots. Mushrooms appear in the fall.

The Coast Trail parallels Highway 101 with glimpses of the Pacific. Highway sounds filter through the trees. It is heavily treed, mostly with shore pines, and very dark in places. Caution is required to keep from tripping over exposed tree roots. At the same time one should also look up to keep from getting knocked unconscious by low hanging branches.

The safest way to view the Pacific is to occasionally come to a dead stop. Ocean peeks can also be used as an excuse to rest when hiking with people in better shape.

Shortly before the Oregon Coast trail joins the Gwynn's Creek/Cook's Ridge Junction Trailhead the trees thin so light can filter through and Western Irises, Viola Adunca and Red Flowering Currant grow beside the trail.

Western Iris

Viola Adunca

Salmonberry

After hiking a little over 1.3 miles the Trailhead sign appears to the left. Gwynn's Creek bridge lies directly ahead spanning the run-off from winter and spring rains as it makes its way to the Pacific Ocean a short distance away. One can cross the bridge and continue on the Oregon Coast Trail or turn left and begin the Gwynn's Creek Trail ascent. And an ascent it is.

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