The cape lookout trail is a 5-mile hike with breathtaking ocean views. The trail is a there-and-back path, about 2.4 miles from the start to the end of the cape. Cape Lookout is dog-friendly as long as your dog is leashed. The trail is rated as “moderate” difficulty, or mostly flat, and extends from the mainland out toward the Pacific Ocean.
About Cape lookout
Cape lookout is well known because it is one of the three stops on the Three Capes Scenic Loop. It’s quite popular for both bird watching and whale watching because of the view from the headlands. A headland is the term for a point of land, usually high and with a sheer drop, extending out into a body of water. On clear days, you can see 40 miles down the coastline and out to sea. To the south you can see pacific city, cape kiwanda, the haystack rock, and the Salmon estuary by cascade head trail. The northern viewpoints feature the Three Arch Rocks and Netarts Bay. Definitely bring a good camera or smartphone for this one.
Trail Description
The trail is a coastal hike that starts in old growth forest. You have the choice of hiking down to the beach or out to the cape. The cape trail is longer but has less elevation where as the beach trail is shorter (1.8 miles) but zig-zags down to the coast and is completely uphill on the way back.
You tend to see spruce and hemlocks as you hike 2.4 miles along the beginning of the cape trail. The beach and coastline peeks out in-between the trees when you start. Later, it fully opens out into a coastal landscape.
The trail doesn’t have a great deal of elevation but can be quite muddy at certain points, so just be aware your shoes will get a bit dirty. Another note is that there are steep drop-offs at select points. I’d recommend really keeping your dog on a leash if they are high energy.
Cape Lookout Trail Map
Directions – Where to park at Cape Lookout
The parking lot and hiking trail is south of Tillamook and north of Pacific City. You park on the mainland area in the state park and hike outward across the peninsula.
- From Salem, follow Highway 22 west toward the coast.
- Veer right in Grand Ronde to stay on Highway 22 and follow pointers to Highway 101.
- Follow Highway 101 and then turn left on Sandlake Road.
- Follow it onto Three Capes Road, and follow signs for Cape Lookout trailhead on the left.
What to bring
Depending the season it may be wet, so just bear that in mind with your choice in footwear. Its highly recommended you opt for boots as opposed to my gym shoes for this one because it is slick and muddy in some parts. I thought it would be colder and windier given how close it is to the ocean but it is wasn’t bad. We went with winter coats and ended up way too warm. If you want to take full advantage of the bird and whale watching I might also bring binoculars. And, definitely bring a camera or phone with panoramic capabilities!
Viewpoint from Cape Lookout trail
Posted by William B. Morriss on Monday, November 22, 2021
What’s the best thing about Cape Lookout?
This hike is quintessentially Oregon in terms of the unique coastal geography. It’s headlands make it quite different than other coastal areas of the eastern coast of the US or even other parts of the pacific coast.
Fifteen million years ago, a lava flow from Eastern Oregon rolled down the Columbia River and fanned onto the northern Oregon Coast to create headlands and islands, including this impressive 2-mile-long, cliff-edged cape.
It’s also unique in terms of the wildlife you can see. This is one of a handful of spots in the state you can see Grey whales and Humpback whales without having to charter a boat.
Whale Watching & Whale migration patterns
Gray whales migrate south from their feeding grounds in Alaska from mid-December through January making their way to their breeding grounds in Baja California. From late March to June the whales migrate north back to Alaska.
On each trip, approximately 18,000 gray whales will pass through Oregon coastal waters. During their Southern migration peak, about 30 whales will pass by per hour, and can be seen about five miles offshore.
Coming back, the whales travel at a leisurely pace staying within a half mile of the shoreline. Mothers with their young appear in May; just in time for Mother’s Day.
TL:DR – You may see whales year-round but you are most likely to see them at two points in the year. Go mid-December to mid-January (Winter) or late March to June (Spring) if you want to see whales.
If you want to know more about the best places to see whales along the Oregon coast check our guide to whale watching or the state parks department’s whale watching brochure.
What to do after the cape lookout hike
The hiking trail parking lot is about 20 minutes driving time to Tillamook. We love the ice cream and cheese at the Tillamook cheese Factory. You can tour the historic cheese factory and grab some tasty treats!
About the Tillamook Cheese Factory: The factory is run by the Tillamook County Creamery Association that is a farmer-owned cooperative that was established in 1909. The visitor center opened in 1966 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state with nearly a million visitors a year. The visitor center is ADA compliant and there is RV parking available on site.
FAQs About The Cape Lookout Trail
The Cape Lookout hike is approximately 5.2 miles roundtrip. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and offers stunning views of the coastline, making it a popular hike among visitors to the Oregon coast.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Cape Lookout trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s essential to follow the rules and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife while hiking with your dog.
Yes, Cape Lookout State Park offers first-come, first-served camping options along with reservable campsites. The park has a campground with various amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. However, availability may vary depending on the season and demand, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you plan on camping without a reservation.
Cape Lookout was previously known as “Lookout City.” It got its current name due to the stunning panoramic views it offers of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffside.
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