Drop in at Rainforest Trail

Reopened route straddles Cascade Head near Lincoln City

Story & photos by Gretchen Ammerman

Oregon Coast TODAY

The name is new, but the “Rainforest Trail” itself definitely is not.

I’ve hiked it for almost two decades, and have seen it so overgrown that it was nearly impassable, under many inches of snow, and now, twice the length it was when I first trekked it.

Originally, and now again, the trail traverses the east border of the Cascade Head Recreation area from Three Rocks Road to just south of Neskowin. It was halved in the late 1990s by a particularly violent winter storm that toppled trees so large in the north half that the Suislaw National Forest, which manages the property, couldn’t tackle the removal of them safely for many years.

After work from the forest service and the non-profit organization Trailkeepers of Oregon, the trail is clear, back to its full length and a lovely way to immerse yourself in nature.

The Rainforest Trail is also one of the more scenic sections of the Oregon Coast Trail, which is largely made up of treks on the beach and along Highway 101.

Two things mark this trail as different from other hikes on Cascade Head. The first and best part is that it is okay to bring dogs along with you.

The second, less positive for some, is that there are no views of the ocean.

But great big trees, lots of fun fungi and plenty of native flora make for plenty of lovely photo ops.

Trees include Western hemlock, Douglas fir and red alder, and the ubiquitous Sitka spruce includes a grove of six-foot diameter old growth.

There are a few particularly large year-round shelf fungi that would make a perfect perch for a mythical woodland creature. Over the years, my best running friend and I still hope for a sighting every time we round the corner in certain spots.

Like almost every trail in the state, hill climbs are involved. The Rainforest Trail will give you roughly 3,000 feet of elevation if you tackle the full length.

Whether you are training for a long hike or just need a quick jaunt with your pup, the Rainforest Trail, just a few miles north of Lincoln City, is a great place to spend some quality time.

If you go

Parking: Corner of Three Rocks Road and Highway 101.

Length: 12 miles out and back

Elevation: 3,000 total

Pet friendly: Yes

Ocean views: None

Elf, fairy or gnome sightings: Still hoping