Neahkahnie Mountain Trail

This hike can be done as either a loop or an out-and-back beginning from either the North or the South trailhead, both located off Route 101. If opting for the loop you will have to walk ~1 mile on the highway to connect back to your starting point. Since we were hiking with our kids we wanted to avoid the highway portion, and so started and ended at the North trailhead, which has parking directly across from it.

The trail climbs continuously, but the grade is forgiving and the scenery certainly makes the effort worthwhile. Our daughters, ages 5 & 7, really enjoyed the trail, and were especially pleased with the rewarding summit view. They are active kids who are (for the most part) enthusiastic hikers, but even still we did pull out the jelly bean stash about 1/2 mile from the summit to provide a little extra incentive. I would recommend this hike to other families who have hiked previously with their kids, but not for an intro to hiking. In my experience it is better to start with something you know will be successful and get a feel for each child's individual stamina.

The first section of the trail climbs immediately and is cut through a impenetrable thicket of Salal. You will quickly gain views over the Pacific and looking north to stunning coastal cliffs before hitting the switchbacks and entering into a dense, moss-covered forest. The trail continues to switch higher, then you'll drop into a bit of a saddle before climbing again to the south summit. There's a small switchback and finally you'll come to an open rocky area. Don't miss the very steep path up to a peak for the breathtaking views of Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita and the beach all the way to the mouth of the Nehalem River. This is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch, and you'll surely want to snap a few pictures.