North Coast Scenic Hiking Trail With Biking Option

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Oswald West State Park

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North Coast Scenic Hiking Trail With Biking Option

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Length: 4.6 miles / 7.4 km

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Overview: This is a trail that provides a number of options. You can drop your bike lock your bike to a post at the North Trail Head parking area, then drive to the South Trail Head to hike to the North then cycle back to the South Trail Head.

Hike from the South to North Trail Head then back again.

Hike from either the North or South Trail Head to the summit then back to where you started from.

Or finally hike from either the North or South trail heads and get picked up by a friend at the other end.

Head out South from Seaside approximately 23 miles on a great coastal drive down 101 with excellent views and scenery. Drop your bike off at the parking area where you will see a sign on the East side of 101 that says "Oregon Coast Trail".

The route is relatively straight forward with a series of zig-zags followed by a straight trail towards the peak. On a good day views from the peak are outstanding. Follow the trail to the North end. The trail appears to go in a North Easterly direction at one stage, just stay on the obvious trail and it will descend back down to 101 and the ocean. Ride your bike back around the highway (not for children) to the South end and your vehicle. The North end trail head sign says "Oregon Coast Trail" and not Neahkahnie Mountain.

Tips: Between mile post 41 and 42 you will see the sign for Neahkahnie Mountain. You can park at the side of 101 on the East side of the road or at the trail head. It might be preferable to park at the area on the 101 parking as it gives a little time to warm up into the hike and the road is easier on your vehicle.

Restrooms - Oswald State Park parking lot on Hwy 101 about 2 mile North from the North trail head.

Points of Interest

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Parking Area / South Trail Head

Between mile post 41 and 42 you will see the sign for Neahkahnie Mountain. You can park at the side of 101 on the East side of the road or at the trail head. It might be preferable to use the 101 parking space as it gives a little time to warm up into the hike and the road is easier on your vehicle.

The trail head sign says "Neahkahnie Mountain"

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The Zig Zags

The route is relatively straight forward with a series of zig-zags followed by a straight trail towards the peak.

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Heading Towards The Summit

On the way to the summit the trail is less steep with nice views through the trees across the valley.

Glimps Through The Trees For A View Photo

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Neahkahnie Mountain Summit

The route to the actual summit is along a small sharp knife edge ridge so please be careful along this section. Sitting at the top (if you decide to go there) is well worth the view. Be careful in both directions of the ridge on both ascent and descent.

If you choose not to go up the ridge there are still great views to be had just at the bottom of the ridge on the trail which does not actually go over the ridge.

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North Trail Head And Optional Bike Pickup Area

The North end of the trail meets Hwy 101. If you decided to take the biking option as well then this is where you will pick up your bike prior to cycling back.

If you chose not to bike back then just follow your steps back along the trail to where you started from. Or alternatively wait here to be picked up by a friend at the parking area.

The North end trail head sign says "Oregon Coast Trail" and not Neahkahnie Mountain.