Cascade Head Preserve

Hello It's Tim& April Again,
This time time we explored Cascade Head Preserve a 4 to 6 mile round trip trail just out side of Lincoln City, Oregon.

The trail head is only 47 miles from McMinnville and just a mile or two from Lincoln City, go North on Hwy 101 and turn on Three Rocks Road and follow it to the Parking area.

The trail is clearly marked and runs through some private land as well as forest land, There are bathrooms and paved parking at the trail head and a very nice view of the Salmon River Estuary and a cute little dock, the view from the dock alone is worth the drive even if you don't want to hike the trail, if you have a fishing boat you can launch it at the boat ramp and do some fishing too.

If you do want to see the view from the top but aren't up to the 2 1/2 mile trek you can drive up to an alternate starting point on Cascade Head Road and its a short walk without to much uphill.

What can we say about this trail? View View View! You will start out at sea level and depending on how far you want to hike you will go up as high 1200 feet, There are no dogs or bikes allowed on the trails. The trail is very well maintained and has a complete view of Lincoln City, The Salmon River and on a clear day the ocean as far as your eyes can see, you will see moss covered trees, thick forest, streams, grass land and more.

The trail will get you warmed up very fast with a heart pounding dirt and wood staircase not far from the trail head, those hours on your stair master will pay off here, they seem to go up forever before having you meander always gradually uphill through moss covered trees with the occasional view of the ocean .

You will keep going through a more dense forest pack like they cut the trail right through the brush till you break out on an amazing grass land that overlooks the Ocean.

Its not to much further to the lower lookout where you overlook 3 rocks and the Point.

The trail continues on if you wish up another mile to the end of the trail but its only 1/2 mile to the top view point at the 1200 feet elevation , totally worth the extra hike , bring lunch and pick a spot in the grassland and enjoy the view the hike back feels like a breeze because its pretty much down hill.

It is a little rough on the knees and would be considered a moderate hike but take your time and you will make it just fine, the hikers you meet along the way are all friendly and never seem to pass with out friendly hello, Bring lunch, water and your camera at the end of the day you will be happy you came and your heart will thank you for the workout.
Happy Hiking Tim & April.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/preserves/art6796.html