Cape Sebastian Oregon.mp4

The Cape Escape

Hike Cape Sebastian to Hunters Cove on the Oregon Coast

12.15.2021
Hikers on Cape Sebastian Coastal Trail on the Oregon Coast near Gold Beach

This hike on Cape Sebastian brings together several of the Oregon Coast’s best features: mossy green forests, tremendous coastline views, marine mammals, and for the adventurous—a wide-open secluded beach that’s hike-in only.

Hikers enjoying the wide open beach of Hunters Cove that you hike into on the Cape Sebastian Trail on the Oregon Coast

It’s 6 miles (round-trip) starting in a forest of Sitka spruce and eventually opening up to impressive views of the Southern Oregon coast. The expansiveness of vistas on clear days here is incredible. This is an excellent hike for whale sightings, and you’re likely to see plenty of seals in the rocky coves below. Keep an eye out for bald eagles too.

When you get to the beach entrance of Hunters Cove, you’ll have to use the rope and railing to lower yourself to the sand. The last section has slack rope and the best way to go down it (from our experience) is backwards, and slowly. In other words, your butt should face the beach as you make your way down using the rope.

A woman crosses over some rocks at Hunters Cove hike-in beach at Cape Sebastian on the Oregon Coast

Hunters Cove is, like so much of this state, vast and wild and beautiful. You’ll easily spot Hunters Island out in the sea.

Trailhead: This hike starts from the Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor in the south parking area. It is an out-and-back adventure.

Discover Oregon's 7 Distinct Regions and Get More Trip Ideas

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View