Cape Horn Viewpoint Loop via Cape Horn Loop Trail
6.5 mi
Distance
3 hrs 10 min
Time
terrain
1,133 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail to Cape Horn Viewpoint in Washington. Note that it is only possible as a loop from July 16th to January 31st in order to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Outside these times, it is a there and back hike, skipping the narrow, exposed sections of the western portion of the loop. Note the whole loop is about 7.5 miles total.
The trail is wide and well graded for the first portion, gets rocky, narrow and exposed in the western portion of the loop and is on a low traffic road for the final stretch.
This trail goes by Cape Horn Falls, Cigar Rock, Cigar Rock View, Windblown Fir Viewpoint, Cape Horn Upper Trailhead, and Pioneer Point.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Hiked 10/4/24, with heavy rain for most of the hike. I set out aroud 8:00 am and finished close to 12:00 pm. The rain didn't cause any issues, but it also hadn't rained in at least a week so not sure how muddy it may get once rainy season fully begins. The full loop was open so it was longer than 6.5 miles. Of note, the last mile and a half of the trail is a road (with very little traffic). A really beautiful and rewarding hike.
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I hiked this yesterday and it was very muddy. The first section of trail (upper portion) was really well built, like an unpaved sidewalk. The western portion of the loop closes today, due to peregrine nesting; I’m glad we got it yesterday. That section of trail is dramatically different than the rest. It is narrow, rocky and uneven and traverses some sketchy cliffs. I was sad to end up on that section in the dark; sketchy trails by headlamp are not much fun. Overall a good hike!
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Public Tracks
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Cape Horn Loop
Nice late November day, first hike with Justice. Windy but pleasant.
