Neahkahnie Mountain dominates the southern end of the Oswald West State Park, on the Oregon Coast.  In fact, many popular viewpoints along Highway 101 over the City of Manzanita sit along the southern face of Neahkahnie Mountain.  The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail climbs through beautiful coastal rainforest to a summit viewpoint where sweeping views over the City of Manzanita can be enjoyed.  The trail is accessible from 2 trailheads, (north and south).  Most hikers leave from and return to the same trailhead, but if a shuttle can be arranged, the entire traverse can be done in one 3.5 mile trip.  The trail is most accessible during drier seasons, with potentially muddy trails or even snow in the winter and early spring.   Durable hiking boots, and poles are recommended.

The allure of Neahkahnie Mountain is often tied to local legends of buried Spanish gold and lost beeswax. Stories persist that in the 1700s, Spanish sailors or shipwreck survivors scaled the mountain to bury a heavy chest filled with treasure. This lore has inspired generations of treasure hunters to search the rugged slopes for markings or clues to the hidden cache, (excavation on Neahkahnie Mountain has been prohibited since 1989). While most modern hikers find the "sweeping views over Manzanita" to be the true reward, the legend remains a central part of the mountain's mystique as a "crown jewel" of the Oregon Coast. 

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail South Trailhead

Trail Stats:

• Length: 3.0 miles round trip
• Total Elevation Gain:  800 ft
• Difficulty:  Challenging, substantial climbing
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Season:   Late Spring through Fall

The South Trailhead offers the shorter and easier of the two approaches, and tends to be the more popular option.   

Driving Directions

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail South Trailhead  is located at the edge of the Neahkahnie Meadow community.  This trailhead provides a safer parking area and a shorter, less challenging route to the summit.

• From the North (Cannon Beach): Drive south on Highway 101 for approximately 13.5 miles. After passing through the main body of Oswald West State Park and the scenic overlooks, look for Neahkahnie Mountain Road on your left (east).
• From the South (Manzanita): Drive north on Highway 101 for approximately 1.5 miles from the center of town. Turn right (east) onto Neahkahnie Mountain Road.
• Follow Neahkahnie Mountain Road: Drive approximately 0.5 miles to the very end of this gravel road.
• The Trailhead: The road terminates at a small parking area where the "South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail" is clearly signed.

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail North Trailhead

Trail Stats: 

• Length: 4.0 miles round trip
• Total Elevation Gain:  1,500
• Difficulty:  Challenging, substantial climbing 
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Season:   Late Spring through Fall

The North Trailhead offers the longer, more challenging climb between the two approaches.  Use extreme caution when crossing Highway 101 from the Elk Flats parking area .

Driving Directions

Neahkahnie Mountain Trail North Trailhead  is located along the rugged cliffs of Highway 101 within Oswald West State Park, and shares the same parking area as the Elk Flats Trailhead.

• From the North (Cannon Beach): Drive south on Highway 101 for approximately 11 miles. After passing the main Oswald West State Park parking lots, look for a large gravel turnout on the west (ocean) side of the highway near Milepost 40.
• From the South (Manzanita): Drive north on Highway 101 for about 3 miles. The trailhead parking is a gravel turnout on your left (west) just past the major scenic overlooks.
• Parking Note: The trail begins directly across the highway from this gravel parking area. Use extreme caution when crossing Highway 101 on foot.

More Information

• Oswald West State Park: Essential Field Guide – Toltrek's park guide including trails and more park information
• Oregon State Parks: Oswald West Official Page – Real-time alerts and park contact info.