Explore the Cascade Head Biosphere Region
Lots to see and do when exploring the Cascade Head Biosphere Region on your adventures watch for whales, eagles, otters, seals, bear, elk, osprey, heron, salmon, whelks, and more...
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Hike iconic Cascade Head!
A trip to the Cascade Head Biosphere Region would not be complete without getting out onto The Nature Conservancy's Preserve at Cascade Head. Splendor in the panoramic views of the Salmon River, Lincoln City, and the Cascade Head Marine Reserve, high atop this prairie headland.
Getting there: Year-round access from Knights Park, but please leave your canines at home. Visiting between July 15 and Dec 31 ~ access the upper trail from the USFS Road 1861.
Lower Trailhead - Knight Park: Head north from Lincoln City on Hwy 101 for approximately 3 1/2 miles. Turn west on Three Rocks Road. Continue 2.4 miles to Savage Road intersection. Park and boat launch are just to the south.
Upper Trailhead and Hart's Cove Trailhead - USFS 1861: Head north from Lincoln City on Hwy 101 approximately 6 miles. Turn west at top of Cascade Head onto gravel US Forest Service Road 1861. Gate is open seasonally from July 16 - Dec 31. Drive west 3.3 miles to Upper Trailhead. Continue 0.8 miles for Hart's Cove Trailhead.
Cascade Head Trails Map (PDF) Download US Forest Service Map of the trail system in the Siuslaw National Forest at Cascade Head.
The Knoll: A little sister headland to Cascade Head. Moderate Hike with spectacular views of the Cascade Head Marine Reserve, Devils Lake and Lincoln City. To reach the trailhead, turn north on NE Devils Lake Blvd from Highway 101. Follow the road past a gate until you reach a cul-de-sac. Download Map
Paddle the Salmon!
Starting from Knight Park in Otis, kayakers, paddle boarders, and canoeists can enjoy a rare glimpse of eagles and herons side by side with seals and river otters. The flat waters of the estuary provide access to the western side of the Westwind spit as well. Be sure to stay out of the camp and private property, generally delineated by the vegetation line.
Boat Launch - Knight Park: Head north from Lincoln City on Hwy 101 for approximately 3 1/2 miles. Turn west on Three Rocks Road. Continue 2.4 miles to T intersection with Savage Road. Park and boat launch are just to the south.
Marvel at the Marine Reserve!
One of five such reserves on the Oregon Coast, Cascade Head Marine Reserve and its accompanying Marine Protected Areas provide rocky habitat and sandy substrates where Giant Pacific Octopuses, Dungeness Crabs, and Canary Rockfish can comfortably call home. At low tide enjoy tidepools, where you’ll find mussels, anemones, whelks, sea stars, and if you are lucky a Gumboot Chiton. Gray Whales can also be seen migrating through the Cascade Head Marine Reserve at multiple times a year, while a few “residents” might be spotted year-round.
Tidepool Access Points
Roads End State Recreation Area: At the north end of Lincoln City, turn west at the traffic signal onto Logan Road. Pass shopping areas and follow road 1 mile to the large parking area. Walk north approximately 25 minutes on the beach to visit the tidepools at low tide.
NW 15th Street: From Hwy 101 in Lincoln City turn west down NW 15th Street. On street parking available. Driving on the beach is not advised. Walk down to the beach where tidepools can be visited at low tide.
Online Resources
GeoCache the Biosphere Region
Join the global adventure, finding unexpected treasures throughout the Biosphere Region. Safely navigate to any one of multiple sites using your GPS or smartphone.
Visit Geocaching.com to get started.
Join a GeoTour for a series of Geocaches ~ Cache the Coast, Central Coast
7 Miles of Smiles!
Lincoln City has one of the longest stretches of sandy beaches on the Oregon Coast. From Roads end to Cutler City and Taft you will find many public beach access points, and thanks to the Beach Bill the whole stretch is public land. Whether you are hunting agates, flying a kite, or enjoying the sand between your toes, you will be amazed at what there is to explore. Be sure to watch out for glass floats too for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Beach accesses in Lincoln City with Facilities • Roads End State Park - Logan Road • NW 26th Street • NW 15th Street • D River Wayside - Hwy 101 • SW 11th & Fleet • SW 35th Street • SW 51st Street - Siletz Bay
Book Your Stay in Lincoln City at: www.ExploreLincolnCity.com
Special Seasonal Workshops & Events offered by the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative: There is so much to do in the Cascade Head Biosphere Region that you will want to return year after year. Watch the calendar for our series of “Wild Edge” experiential programs featuring unique Natural Arts and Science field experiences and workshops for the whole family.
Art on the Beach
Learn the Japanese folk art of fish printing or Gyotaku
Board a floating classroom on the Salmon River Estuary
Take part in Community Science in a Tidepool Bio-Blitz
Retrospective from Art on the Beach 2022 with artists Josie Iselin, Frank Boyden and Duncan Berry.
Preview of all there is to explore in the Cascade Head Biosphere Region…Click the video to watch now.