Cape Trail South

Cape Trail South connects the main Cape Lookout State Park campground area with the spectacular beach and sand dune system to the south, providing access to a different and highly scenic aspect of this diverse coastal park. The trail descends from the forested uplands through a transition zone where the Sitka spruce forest gives way to shore pine and beach grass as the terrain approaches the coast. The beach section traverses a long stretch of wild Oregon coast where massive dunes back a broad sandy beach, creating a landscape quite different from the rocky headland of Cape Lookout to the north. The Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is visible offshore to the south, a protected sea stack complex that hosts the largest seabird nesting colony on the Oregon coast and a significant Steller sea lion haulout. Tufted puffins, common murres, pigeon guillemots, and pelagic cormorants all nest on the rocks, visible through binoculars from the beach. The dune system itself is an active coastal landform, constantly shaped by wind and overwash events, and supports specialized dune plant communities including beach strawberry, yellow sand verbena, and sea rocket. Snowy plovers occasionally nest in the upper beach zone. The combination of forest trail, dune crossing, and wild beach access makes this a rewarding and varied hike. Beach walking can continue for miles in either direction. Check tide tables before planning exploration of the lower beach areas.