Three Capes Scenic Loop Day Trip — Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares & Neskowin
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—able to handle short hikes, stairs, and a steep sand climb of ~240 ft
Overview
A full-day trip from Portland along the northern Oregon coast that visits Cape Meares, Cape Kiwanda and Neskowin—old-growth spruce, tide pools, a 240-foot sand dune, and a WWII blimp hangar. Ideal for photographers, geology fans, and anyone who wants a compact but complete coastal experience.
Three Capes Scenic Loop Day Trip — Cape Kiwanda, Cape Meares & Neskowin
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You step out of the van and the ocean takes a breath. Salt and kelp, wind working like a silent clock, and a cliff-line that folds into offshore stacks—this is the Three Capes Scenic Loop in northern Oregon. Over ten hours you’ll move from Willamette Valley farmland into old-growth Sitka spruce, down to wind-swept beaches, and up a 240-foot coastal dune where the sand will slide under your boots and dare you to sprint back down.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Check the tide table
Tide times determine whether you can safely explore tide pools and reach Proposal Rock; low tide is best for beach access.
Wear layered waterproofs
Wind, spray, and sudden inland rain are common—pack breathable rain shell and insulating mid-layer.
Sturdy shoes for mixed terrain
Expect slick sandstone, packed trail, and loose sand on the 240-ft dune—trail runners or hiking boots work best.
Respect dune and tide restrictions
Stay on designated paths and avoid walking on fragile dune vegetation; tidepool creatures are protected—observe, don't collect.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seal
- Gray whale (seasonal)
History
The loop passes coastal sites used for centuries by Indigenous Tillamook communities; later maritime traffic, lighthouses (late 1800s), and WWII aviation shaped the region’s modern story.
Conservation
Tidepools are fragile—follow low-impact viewing and leave organisms in place; dunes and beach vegetation recover slowly, so stay on marked trails.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tillamook
Recommended Gear
Waterproof rain jacket
Keeps you dry and blocks wind during coastal showers.
spring specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Provide grip on slick sandstone and support for the dune climb.
Daypack with water and snacks
Hydration and quick energy are important on a long day with active stops.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps spot offshore whales, seals, and distant seabird colonies from headlands.
winter specific