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Cascade Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 296 Google reviews · Running trail in Otis, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 75 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cascade Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dog-free forested trails over steep headlands with coastal views, home to elk and butterflies.
What runners say about Cascade Head
“The gorgeous view of the Peninsula where Salmon river flows into the pacific marked by the three rock feature rising from the ocean.”
“Trail is easy to follow and narrow the whole way up.”
Awesome this trail is open again. Don't get discouraged by the looks of the people coming down the hill it's not that bad of a hike. The views and wildlife at top are definitely worth it. Day was sunny and mid 70s
Pretty easy hike. About 1.5 miles to the falls. It can be pretty busy on the weekends. Dogs are welcome there. The drive up was pretty long and windy but there was a parking lot which eventually appeared and public restrooms as well.
First time visiting this amazing trail, and is really impressive. Take a little bit of time to get all the way to the top but the view is just beautiful. Kids will love it, bring the whole family, especially at this moments of coronavirus, away from the hectic times and city.
What a great trail. Nice climb with great views. We were excited to see a herd of Elk right away and once at the turn around a beautiful view of the Pacific. Might be a bit much for little kids. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Trail conditions & character
“The gorgeous view of the Peninsula where Salmon river flows into the pacific marked by the three rock feature rising from the ocean.”
“If you're not up for the steep hike from the trailhead to The Meadow atop Cascade Head, drop your kayak into the Salmon at the docks and paddle out to the mouth below the cliffs.”
“If you're not up for the steep hike from the trailhead to The Meadow atop Cascade Head, drop your kayak into the Salmon at the docks and paddle out to the mouth below the cliffs.”
“The drive up was pretty long and windy but there was a parking lot which eventually appeared and public restrooms as well.”
“Pretty muddy, but not too difficult of a climb.”
Plan your run at Cascade Head
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance75 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone+1 503-802-8100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Otis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Knoll
4.7 ★★★★★ 383 reviews
Uphill climb to a grassy summit providing ocean and coastal views.
Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 117 reviews
Hiking trail through forests & meadows of a scenic headland with wildflowers & sweeping ocean views.
The Knoll Open Space Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area leading through forests to a viewpoint with ocean views.
Roads End State Recreation Site
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,266 reviews
Secluded recreational area featuring a beach, picnicking, a viewing area, restrooms & wildlife.
Friends of the Wildwood Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
Dog-friendly park with walking trails and woodland, plus views of the coastline.