Two Pacific City Hikes, Often Overlooked, with Spectacular Views of the Oregon Coast

 by Adam Sawyer

The Oregon Coast is not wanting for stretches of hike-worthy beaches. Pacific City, perhaps best known for a little chunk of oceanfront known as Cape Kiwanda, offers two hikes that take in scenery you won't soon forget.

Kiwanda Dune hike

One hike isn't your typical beach stroll. By starting at the Pacific Avenue Trailhead, you can enjoy a roughly two mile out and back hike that explores a scenic stretch of beach that approaches the cape from the south. Vehicles are not allowed on the stretch leading up to Kiwanda and most people that visit park at the cape, so this section can be quite peaceful. 

As you near the large, sandstone bluffs of the cape, watch for surfers catching waves and dory fishermen launching their boats in and out ocean from the beach. Ascend the Great Dune and take in the views along the top of the cape, including the big Haystack Rock. The vibrant orange and yellow hued sandstone cliffs have eroded into a number of curious and photo-worthy patterns over the years, and you could spend a long time taking it all in.

After you’ve explored to your heart’s content at the top of the bluff, bound back down the dune (or scoot on your butt), grab a well-earned pint at the Pelican Pub and Brewery, and make your way back to the trailhead to complete the two-mile hike.

Nestucca Spit hike

While the oft-photographed sandstone bluff is a justifiable headliner, the Nestucca Spit offers similar coastal allure without the penance of crowds. Located about a mile and a half south of Cape Kiwanda, the peaceful, wildlife-laden Nestucca Spit resides within the Bob Straub State Park. A roughly 5-mile loop hike shows off the spit’s numerous virtues. 

Leave from the park trailhead and walk across the dunes towards the ocean. If you’re up for an extended day hike, you can head north and explore the cape before returning to tour the spit. Or, head south along the shore, which is recommended during low tide. The stroll is great for families and dogs are welcome on leash. Sand dollars are common along this stretch, though finding a completely intact specimen, as always, can be a challenge.

At the spit’s end look for harbor seals and fishermen taking advantage of the Nestucca River’s legendary salmon and steelhead runs. Round the end of the spit and begin the journey back to the trailhead. As is the case with other area spit hikes, things become a bit of a choose-your-own adventure at this point. You can continue along the sand, for a little ways at least, before encountering a number of paths that lead into the heart of the spit. The forested inland section of the spit ranges from wetlands to moss-covered Sitka spruce corridors. You’ll encounter a number of junctions that provide the opportunity for extra mileage and further exploration, but as long as you continue in a northerly direction, you’ll likely funnel back towards the parking area and the trailhead. 

If you're hungry and thirsty after this hike, stop at the Sportsman's Pub and Grub, just over the Nestucca River bridge in the center of Pacific City on Brooten Road. The fish and chips are made of fresh ling cod caught by the dory fleet, whose members frequent this pub. 

To plan your trip, visit TillamookCoast.com