Harts Cove Hike

Getting there: Head north from Lincoln City on US 101. Take the Neskowin ramp (left) at the junction of Hwy 18 and US 101. Continue north for about 3.5 miles. Turn west (left) onto unpaved Road 1861, stay left at the fork about 2.6 miles to stay on 1861 for another 1.9 miles. This will bring you to a sign marking the beginning of Harts Cove Trail.

To protect endangered butterflies and fragile wildflowers on the headland, the access road gate is closed from January 1st to July 15th. Be aware that after persistent rains, the Harts Cove Trail can be muddy; wear appropriate footgear, not sneakers and definitely not flip-flops. Also, some places along the trail are more vulnerable to the coastal winds.

The Hart’s Cove Trail is a 5.2 mile RT hike (moderately difficult due to the 1000ft elevation change) that starts out by switch-backing downhill through a young coastal forest. Railroad tie steps here help make footing better. Very little light reaches the forest floor and undergrowth is sparse. Don’t despair, you are not just in another piece of the coastal rain forest; you will reach your goal before much longer. After about half a mile, you’ll cross Cliff Creek Bridge and begin climbing a varied, moderate grade. Another mile brings you to a bench where you will get a glimpse of the headland. Do not go down the side trail here that takes off to the left thinking you will get a better view. You will be disappointed and simply have to climb back up. Half a mile further and you will be able to hear the sea lions and seals that make the other side of the cove their hangout. Once you reach the gorgeous meadow that was once part of the Taggard homestead, take the left-most path down the grassy bluff to the cliff-edge view point overlooking the cove for a marvelous vista of the Cove and Chitwood Creek Falls. The seals and sea lions you are hearing are out of sight around the promontory.

For the adventurous (not recommended for children), climb back up about 50 yards to a junction and head seaward. A challenging scramble down this trail leads down to the edge of this lava rock headland. The waves alternately display and hide barnacles, sea stars and sea palms. Remember, wherever you climb down, you will have to climb back up.

After a nice long hike, why not relax at The Coho Oceanfront Lodge?  Our newly renovated hotel features a luxurios indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a selection of spa services.  For more information, visit http://www.thecoholodge.com.