Hiking: Neahkhanie Mountain North Trail

Post by Olivia Martino Blodgett, Personal Trainer and Owner

Hike: Neahkhanie Mountain North Trail

Date: December 30th, 2017

Hiking Buddy: Matt

Total distance: 5 miles (Out and Back)

Total elevation gain: 1450 feet

Permit required: No

This hike was fueled by the fact that we were both sick and wanted to get out of the house, get moving and get some fresh air.  Every few months I get a craving to see the ocean so we headed west for about two hours and found (almost missed!) the trailhead for Neahkahnie Mountain, right on highway 101 after Oswald West State Park. There is also a different trailhead for this mountain, which extends the hike by 3 miles and offers different views.  I have done both and recommend both, depeding on how long you want your hike to be.

Right after you park, cross the highway and head up the trail onto a hillside covered in a wide variety of vegetation.  Throughout the trail’s several switchbacks you get plenty of opportunities for vast ocean views, until eventually you head into the forest.  You’ll continue to ascend through the forest until the very end of the hike when you emerge into a large rocky area, where a steep path with take you right up to the top.  There are plenty of places to sit, enjoy lunch and the amazing views of Neahkhanie Beach, Manzanita and Nehalem Bay.  Then you head right back the way you came for a pretty quick descension.  Cannon beach is a great stop on the way home for dinner and a cold beer!