A couple of warm, sunny days on the Oregon Coast and time to hike Cascade Head and Hart’s Cove. I hiked this on Friday, April 28 … There is quite a bit of confusion on this trail set as All Trails states that it’s ‘Closed’ (see this reference). That trail reference is the route I took, and found it worth the trouble.
The trail between Cascade Head and Hunt’s Cove is in terrible condition and took more time and energy than anticipated … but still worth it to travel across both Cascade Head and Hunt’s Cove. Special kudos to the Nature Conservancy who manages / owns Cascade Head.
The Route
Planned Route was an out-back from Cascade Head Trailhead to Hart’s Cove and then return same way. Actual was same. (Recorded track)
Started the route at Cascade Head trailhead (Knight Park, County) around 6:45. A boater had parked at the ramp and I was the only other car; met another hiker at the TH, but left him in my dust. Until I returned to Cascade Head summit, there were no other hikers – none!
From here, it was up Cascade Head and then over the top and down to Hart’s Cove. There is a short access road / fire road that connects the two hikes. Between Cascade Head and Hart’s Cove, the trail conditions are terrible, exhausting crawling through and over blow-downs. My guess is that trail maintenance was last done over 5 years ago … the access road to Hart’s Cove th is completely closed with over 20 major blowdowns.
Cascade Head
Once up on the head meadow, the views were spectacular on this clear, sunny day. The sun had just topped the eastern mountains (coast range) when I hit the top first time.
Hunt’s Cove
The hike to Hunt’s Cove is all in trees and mostly on old lumber road with a couple of stream crossings (bridges and logs) thrown in for fun. Once, you arrive at Hunt’s Cove, the view is no less remarkable and worth every blowdown traverse getting there.
I said “Oh my” and caught my breath! Thanks for taking me along–in pictures.