CASCADE HEAD AND NATURE CONSERVANCY TRAIL

One of the things I like best about living on the Three Capes Loop is it's proximity to some of the most amazing hikes and beach combing up and down the coast.  There are unspoiled beaches and a pristine bay just two minutes away, a State campground another five, multiple hikes down three sides of Cape Lookout just two miles past that -- one of them leading to a beach you often have to yourself protected from the wicked North wind in the Summer.  How can you beat it?!  I spend a lot of time working, playing and exploring in a ten mile radius (which I am thankful for!), but this year I've ventured beyond this small area to get to know Cascade Head a little better -- just 40 minutes from Netarts (if you travel up and over Cape Lookout and through Pacific City.)  Just as their website says, Cascade Head is "a spectacular coastal headland...a haven for rare plants, wildlife and grassland communities."  Prepare to be amazed. 
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/oregon/placesweprotect/cascade-head.xml

I hiked the lower trail to the top for the first time last Fall (absolutely amazing...better than I imagined!), and since then the Nature Conservancy Trail, which meets up with the lower trail after walking through some of the most splendid, peaceful forest around.  After visiting/hiking/soaking in Cascade Head just one time, you'll find yourself wanting more and you WILL return!

Just a little digging online (or talking to a local that hikes) and you will discover there are MANY trails, beaches and waterways that deserve attention in and around Cascade Head.

The Nature Conservancy Trail is a hike to add to your list.  If you haven't hiked the South side of Cascade Head definitely do it first, but follow it up with the NC trail -- possibly on a different day, as weather changes and different times of day add to the experience in a big way!  It's a short trail and not too difficult.  You could do it start to finish in an hour, or so.  The day we were up there we only encountered a couple of other hikers (mid-day Sunday in late July.)  We essentially had the place to ourselves....perfect. Just the cool breeze, a hefty bank of fog whispering through the tree tops and to my delight, infinite shades of green.  The temperature and breeze on my face were half of the experience -- especially when you consider the wind wasn't blowing really anywhere else and it's was a warm, sunny day! 

This trail is different.

I noticed many plants/flowers I've never seen before and was especially taken back by how little underbrush there was beneath the towering fir trees -- also by how lush and thick the ground cover was as far as you could see!  Even though smaller offshoot trails (from deer and elk I presume) call to you, as they lead deeper into the woods (very tempting) there are signs right from the start asking visitors to please stay on the designated trail -- hence the name "Nature Conservancy."  I say stay on the trail.  If everyone follows this simple request the NC trial will continue to please and amaze hikers for years to come.

Whether you hike from the top or the bottom, this is one of many views you will enjoy from the top.  Take my advice and do the trails on different days.  You will experience different weather/fog/wind etc. which will positively add to your hiking experience.  Bring a camera (of course!) and a light jacket, or long sleeve shirt.  The cool breeze will catch you off guard -- in a very good way!

Visit again soon.  I have A LOT more to write about!  It's been a VERY busy Summer -- both work and play!  Future posts?  Paddling the Salmon River Mouth, Things to do within 10 miles of home, the best clam bake ever you'll never eat, boat overturned in Netarts Bay: self rescue prevails..no thanks to life jackets!, What makes Netarts sooooo cool?!, New Rob Trost Real Estate offices booming!....just to name a few.  And, don't forget my birthday next month!  I haven't come up with how to top last year's cross bay swim.  Any ideas???  If something comes to mind send me an email: wendy@iwantabeachhome.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for stopping by.  See you at the beach!

~Wendy