South Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

Forested loop hike to a sweeping coastal viewpoint atop Neahkahnie Mountain. The trail switches back through a Sitka Spruce forest to reach an old gravel road, which is the route down to complete a loop. Continuing up, the trail follows a ridge and then requires a scramble through a washed-out section of trail and a rocky fin to a viewpoint overlooking Manzanita and Nehalem Bay. The road walk down is not particularly scenic, so the hike is best as an out and back.

Getting Started

There are two trailheads to Neahkahnie Mountain. The north or west trailhead long Highway 101 is closed.
This route starts from the south or Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead (east). Drive ~2.4 miles south of the Oswald West public parking lot (and bathroom). Turn east on Road 38555, also called the Neahkahnie Trailhead Road. Parking is 0.5 miles uphill where the road is gated.
The parking areas and trail are very busy on warm, clear days, especially since the other parking area and trail are closed. No facilities at the trailhead.

Taking Children

Good hike for young children, other than the last 0.2 miles of trail washout and rock scramble.