The best walks and hikes in Lincoln County

Yes, Lincoln County offers many trails suitable for families. A great option is the Giant Spruce Trail — Siuslaw National Forest, a relatively flat 2-mile (3.3 km) walk that leads to an impressive old-growth spruce tree. Another short and rewarding walk is the Salal Hill Trail, which is about a mile long and offers lovely coastal scenery.

Yes, the coastal rainforests of Lincoln County feature several trails leading to waterfalls. The most well-known is the hike to Drift Creek Falls, which includes a dramatic suspension bridge. The area's dense forests and numerous creeks mean that smaller cascades can often be found along many streamside trails, especially after rainfall.

Many trails in the Siuslaw National Forest are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. However, some areas, particularly sensitive habitats like the Cascade Head Preserve, have seasonal or year-round restrictions on dogs to protect wildlife. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike before you go.

Lincoln County has over 30 easy-rated trails perfect for beginners or a casual walk. For a classic coastal experience, the Oregon Coast Trail 804 from Yachats is a mostly flat, 3.7-mile (6 km) path with constant ocean views. Another excellent choice is the Cook's Chasm to Devil's Churn trail, a 2-mile (3.2 km) walk that showcases dramatic coastal geology.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Amanda Trail from Yachats offers a significant challenge. It's an 8.8-mile (14.2 km) route with over 1,400 feet (430 m) of elevation gain, providing a tough workout through the coastal forest. The extensive trail network in the Siuslaw National Forest also offers opportunities to link trails for longer backpacking trips.

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is renowned for its stunning vistas. The hike to the St. Perpetua Scenic Viewpoint is a local favorite, climbing through the forest to one of the highest points on the Oregon coast accessible by car or trail, offering panoramic ocean views. For a different perspective, the open headlands on the Cascade Head Trail also provide breathtaking coastal scenery.

You can explore nearly 50 different hiking routes in Lincoln County. The trails range from easy coastal walks under a mile to challenging climbs with significant elevation gain, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find sandy paths along the coast, well-maintained gravel trails in popular areas, and rugged, root-covered dirt paths within the Siuslaw National Forest. Many forest trails involve steady climbs and can be muddy, especially during the wetter months, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the lush temperate rainforests, and the well-marked trails that lead to unique features like suspension bridges and old-growth trees.

Yes, there are several excellent loop hikes. The Cook's Ridge & Gwynn Creek Loop Trail is a popular 6-mile (9.6 km) moderate hike that takes you through beautiful old-growth forest in the Cape Perpetua area. Many other trails can be combined to form loops of various lengths.

Some of the most popular trailheads, particularly those within the Siuslaw National Forest and at State Natural Areas, require a recreation pass for parking (such as a Northwest Forest Pass or an Oregon State Parks day-use permit). However, many other trail access points, especially those starting from towns like Yachats or Lincoln City, offer free public parking.