Cascade Head on the Oregon Coast
Headland Features Ocean Views, Hiking, Wildflowers, Butterflies
Aug 17, 2008
Cascade Head’s covering of native grasslands is a refuge for the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly and several rare species of wildflowers. Grasslands are surrounded by ancient and second-growth forests traversed by two trails onto the headland. The upper approach is an easy, one-mile level walk; the lower approach winds uphill for just over two miles.
What to See at Cascade Head
From the top of the headland, views sweep down to the ocean surf below and the Salmon River Estuary with its network of islands, coves and meandering divisions of the larger river emptying into the ocean. The estuary is popular with kayakers, and their colorful boats are visible on the water on almost any summer day.
Wildflowers, Butterflies and Birds
Bring your gaze back up to the headland prairie to view a sea of spring wildflowers including checkermallow, coastal paintbrush, goldenrod, blue violet and lupine. It’s the blue violet that is the sole food source for the larvae of the silverspot butterfly. In summer, look for the butterflies flitting around the grasses. Bald eagles, great horned owls, northern harriers and red-tail hawks can often be spotted overhead.
The Pacific giant salamander, along with elk, deer, coyote and snowshoe hare can be seen here or in the surrounding forest.
Forest Hikes
The most popular approach to Cascade Head is via the longer trail, beginning well below the headland and climbing steadily upward. Along the way are huge trees overhung with moss and fallen trees turned into nurse logs for new saplings. Boardwalks and foot bridges pass over marshy areas and creeks. Around these wet areas, look for dense patches of skunk cabbage with their almost tropical-looking 3-to-4-foot-long glossy green leaves.
Nature Preservation
In the 1960s, local volunteers organized to preserve Cascade Head from development. Money was raised to purchase the site, and in 1966 it was turned over to The Nature Conservancy. Because of the ecological significance of the headland and surrounding lands, Cascade Head is now recognized as a National Scenic Research Area and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
The Nature Conservancy has been working on methods to restore grassland habitat for the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Ecologists also monitor rare plants at the site.
Getting There
Cascade Head is between Lincoln City and Neskowin on the Oregon Coast. The lower access trail is a steep climb of about 2.5 miles. To reach it traveling north on Highway 101, drive one mile north of the Highway 18 interchange, crossing the Salmon River bridge. Turn west onto Three Rocks Road and continue for two miles. Take the left fork to the Knight Park parking lot. The trailhead begins at the parking lot.
The upper trail to the preserve is one mile and nearly level. However, it is closed from January 1 to July 15 to protect wildlife habitat nearby. To reach the trail when it is open, take Highway 101 north from the Highway 18 interchange. Cross the Salmon River bridge and continue for about 2.4 miles. The drive leads uphill almost to the headland summit. Turn west on Cascade Head Road (Forest Service road 1861). Drive approximately 3.5 miles, bearing left at the fork. A sign and parking lot mark the trail head.
Preserve Etiquette
Dogs and bicycles are prohibited at Cascade Head. When hiking, remember to stay on the trails to protect ground nesting birds and other wildlife in the preserve.
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