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Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 117 Google reviews · Running trail in Otis, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead'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.
Hiking trail through forests & meadows of a scenic headland with wildflowers & sweeping ocean views.
What runners say about Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead
“This trail was really beautiful and not difficult, but there were a few muddy spots and some slightly steep terrain.”
This trail was really beautiful and not difficult, but there were a few muddy spots and some slightly steep terrain. The view at the top of the first segment is spectacular! There are 3 segments to the trail that leads from inside the forest out to a meadow that overlooks the ocean below (see my photos).
I’m from out of town and was told this was a great hike to try while visiting. Wow!! This person wasn’t kidding! This is one of the most scenic hikes I have been on! Really great views and some fairly steep terrain in a few spots. We went slow going up because there were so many picture opportunities.
This trail truly has it all. It’s moderately challenging, it has trees, it has steep areas, it has cove and ocean views, and it truly is a rewarding hike. Absolutely loved it would totally do it again.
Amazing view of the Salmon River estuary. Beautiful trail through the Pacific coast rainforest. We saw numerous senior hikers like us but beware this is 1200 vertical feet in a mile.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s moderately challenging, it has trees, it has steep areas, it has cove and ocean views, and it truly is a rewarding hike.”
“It’s moderately challenging, it has trees, it has steep areas, it has cove and ocean views, and it truly is a rewarding hike.”
“Small parking lot, used condom on the ground so you know it’s used for hook ups.”
“This trail was really beautiful and not difficult, but there were a few muddy spots and some slightly steep terrain.”
“Fascinating to walk from below fern level to above.”
Plan your run at Cascade Head - Rainforest Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 503-392-5100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 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.
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