Neahkahnie Mountain and Devil's Cauldron coastal hike (from North Trailhead)
Details
A sunny Friday = stunning coastal views from Neahkahanie Mountain AND a less muddy path for dropping down to see the wonders of ocean swells, churning and frothing at Devil’s Cauldron!
Please note that this approach from the north is a bit more difficult than the more popular, family friendly trailhead.
- Difficulty: Moderate; Steep in spots, and overgrown in other spots
- Hiking distance: 6 miles total, maybe 7
- Elevation gain: A bit over 1500 feet, total
- Total time: Plan to start heading back by mid afternoon, or earlier if you skip Devil’s Cauldron; lunch is also an option
- Total driving distance: 164 miles RT from the west side; For example, if members organize a carpool from Sunset Transit Center (leave by 07:45)
- Permits: None
- Dogs: Yes if your dog is fit, able to handle rough trail, and isn’t afraid of heights
The Plan:
We will meet at North Neah-Kah-Nie Trailhead at 9:30 a.m. and ascend to Neahkahnie viewpoint. After enjoying ocean views of Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita, and a stretch of the coast all the way to Nehalem Bay Mouth, we will double back and continue on to Devil’s Cauldron viewpoint. Or... You can head home early if you’ve had enough adventure. It’s gonna be an eye popping day!
- My natural hiking style is fairly brisk (3-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but I’m easily pleased. Anyone who enjoys an energetic 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: The 11 Essentials (Yep, ELEVEN, see below), 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing, a camera, and waterproof shoes/ boots with good traction. Poles could be useful.
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "**ELEVEN" Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- 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.
- A Nobel Peace Prize from a white elephant gift exchange
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.