Hiking the South Cape Lookout Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
The South Cape Lookout Trail is one of the least-trafficked hikes in Cape Lookout State Park, as the trail descends between 800-900 ft. (244-274 m) of elevation from the trailhead to the beach down below.
That being said, I found the switchbacks on the hike out to go by faster than I had anticipated, and you are more than likely to have most of the beach to yourself if you’re looking to spend a few hours down by the water!
South Cape Lookout Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cape Lookout Trail is located just off Cape Lookout Road in a large open parking lot for the state park.
Even though these photos make the parking lot look very big, Cape Lookout is a popular destination, and the lot will fill up fast during the busy summer season.
Google Maps Directions: South Cape Lookout Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Hiking the South Cape Lookout Trail
The Cape Lookout State Park Trailhead is the start of three different trails, which all begin right next to each other.
Follow the Cape/ South Trail for the hike down to the South Cape Lookout Beach.
South Cape Lookout Trail Junction
Shortly after the trailhead, the turn for the South Cape Lookout Trail will split off to the left.
South Cape Lookout Trail Switchbacks
After the South Trail split, the hike will descend a series of about 16 switchbacks—depending on how you count—from the junction to the beach down below.
Toward the middle of the hike, the South Trail will follow one long switchback, which is where you’ll start to get the first views of the beach down below.
In my mind, these views were a good mental checkpoint, both on the way up and down.
Just before the beach, the South Trail will really start to open up, and as you can see, I was the only one in either direction on this beautiful, secluded stretch of sand!
South Cape Lookout Trail Beach
Overall, if you were trying to decide which trail to hike, I recommend hiking the South Trail over the North Cape Lookout Trail.
I say this because the South Trail Beach is a much more secluded area, as opposed to the North Trail, which features a drive-up picnic area as well as a campground for the state park.
