Cascade Head Is Open! coastal hike

The upper section of this route will reopen this week, so let’s head for the Oregon Coast on Monday! Our scenic route will treat us with meadow viewpoints of craggy islands, views of the Salmon River estuary, and the sounds of barking sea lions in the cove below.

Event photo from our recent Cascade Head hike

• Difficulty: Moderate (Nothing too steep, but it’s still a workout)
• Hiking distance: 6.6 miles (About 10 miles total, if we add on Drift Creek Falls)
• Elevation gain: 1310 feet
• Total time: Plan to be back by early to mid afternoon, unless vehicles want to stop for lunch
• Total driving distance: 166 miles RT from Sunset Transit Center, which is a possible spot to arrange carpools from
• Permits: None
• Dogs: Not allowed, per land use regulations

The Plan: We will meet at the Cascade Head lower trailhead at 9 a.m. This route is gonna be a stunner. We’ll take it up to the upper trailhead for a scenic lunch break, and then return to our cars.

Here are more details about our route: www.summitpost.org/cascade-head/209144

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but anyone who enjoys an energetic hike at any reasonable pace is welcome. No one will be left behind. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.

• Bring: Gas money (If you carpool), 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "ELEVEN" Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Knife/tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
11. The Epstein client list

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.