EXPERIENCE SUMMER AT HEADLANDS
PLAN YOUR OREGON COAST GETAWAY
May 2022
Discover the magical beauty of the North Coast this summer. Long, glorious days and warmer temperatures provide endless opportunity for exploration. In Pacific City the pacific comes alive with surfers catching a wave and Dory boats launching and landing directly on the beach. Evenings are spent lingering over beach bonfires, enjoying good company and a favorite beverage, while watching a spectacular sunset display. Our magical surroundings invite further exploration by foot, fat tire bike, or kayak—from beaches that stretch endlessly north and south to nearby trails through majestic old-growth forests and waterways that invite a blissfully quiet paddle.
Your Summer Getaway—not-to-miss experiences on the Oregon Coast:
Discover exceptional trails that dot the coastline, from easy strolls down the road to invigorating excursions that can fill an entire afternoon—wander through a rare and lush coastal old-growth forest at Cape Lookout, hike through the Siuslaw National Forest and ascend to epic views from Gods Thumb, explore miles of looping trails across one of Oregon’s last intact estuaries at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. While it’s impossible to choose a favorite recommendation, the Headlands Adventure Team can assist in creating your ideal hiking itinerary.
You can’t visit Pacific City without a climb up the Great Dune at Cape Kiwanda! Before heading out, don’t forget to check in with Headlands Adventure Team to learn about our various favorite ways to ascend the dune. For a serious cardio workout, scramble 240-ft straight up Oregon’s tallest dune. Or follow the dune “path” that winds in a northwesterly direction before climbing up the west side of the dune, offering mesmerizing views of Haystack Rock. Along the way keep your eye out for the gray whales who reside year-round along Oregon’s coast. At the top discover expansive views stretching from Cape Lookout to the north to Cascade Head to the south. Check out the view of the spectacular Haystack Rock from atop the dune—this monolith is considered the fourth largest monolith in the world at 235-feet tall.
Plan your visit to the North Coast to coincide with summer’s impressive negative tides. Head to the base of Cape Kiwanda to safely view the tide pools at low tide or join Headlands Adventure Coaches when the time and tides are just right for a special opportunity to explore this fascinating world and meet the unique creatures that call the tide pools home. Or Join our Adventure Coaches for a perfectly timed visit to the mysterious Ghost Forest in nearby Neskowin. Once a vast forest of Sitka spruce and cedar, the trees were buried in the Cascadia earthquake of 1700. The remnants lay undiscovered until winter storms of 1997 and 1998 unearthed the remaining preserved stumps, some estimated to be over 2000 years old.
Pack a picnic and spend a day discovering the spectacular 40-mile Three Capes Scenic Route, which encompasses three state parks. The route from Pacific City via Netarts winds through open pastures, climbs through an old-growth forest, and offers several stops along the way to take in the magnificent coastal views. If time allows, stop at Cape Lookout, and follow the less-traveled 1.75-mile South Trail that descends through a magical Sitka Spruce Forest to a lovely, secluded beach that’s perfect for a summer stroll. At Cape Meares discover its landmark lighthouse, Oregon’s largest spruce tree, and the cape’s famous Octopus Tree. On the return, stop at Pelican Brewing in Tillamook for an early dinner and a coastally crafted beer.
Join the surf action at Cape Kiwanda. Whether you’ve never been on a surfboard or are already a pro, Pacific City offers multiple waves for all levels and is considered one of the best surfing spots along the coast of Oregon. Let the local surfing experts at Moment Surf Company teach you water safety and surfing basics with a private lesson. They’ll provide the board, wetsuit, and surfing expertise to ensure you have a great time on the water. Love watching the surfers from the comfort of the beach? Be sure to check out the famous Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic held annually in September.
The North Coast is a paddling playground for kayakers and paddle boarders of all levels, particularly during the summer months. Make plans to join our Adventure Coaches for a memorable paddling tour of nearby Netarts Bay or the Nestucca River—each offers a unique perspective of our coastal surroundings. If the tides are favorable at Netarts Bay, some lucky paddlers may have the opportunity to experience a coastal favorite of clamming at Whiskey Creek before or after their kayak expedition. Don’t forget, clamming licenses are a must!
And of course, no trip to the North Coast is complete without a bonfire on the beach—watch the sun sink behind haystack rock while you enjoy a one-of-a-kind beach bonfire complete with s’mores fixings and a bottle of Oregon red to share.