Clatsop Loop Hike

Overview

Take the kids along on this hike through a forest of big trees to visit a World War II radar station and a viewpoint of the Tillamook Rock Light. The short loop takes a road track for the first leg and then descends closer to the cliffs of Indian Point, offering several classic views of the coastline to the south. The loop connects with trail that continues north over Tillamook Head, so you can head off on that route if you want a longer hike (see the Tillamook Head Traverse Hike). The trail begins behind the restrooms and is well signed. First, however, walk about 50 to 75 yards from the vault toilet, parallel with Canyon Creek, and you can find an opening in the brush to a slight descent leading to a very pretty small waterfall. To begin the loop for the main hike, head straight up on the gravel service road. The footbridge you see on the left will be your return trip. There are interpretive signs, and there used to be an interpretive pamphlet available for numbered stops along the trail. Although the ascent on the gravel road does not give the spectacular ocean vistas, after you cross Indian Creek, you will get a birds eye view into the canopy of this maturing coastal forest. Most of Tillamook Head was logged 120-150 years ago; however, some giants do remain. Salal, sword fern, and salmonberry form the understory. The road curves right across a creek and then winds up under alders. You'll continue to rise in secondary forest with large stumps remaining from the logging days. Now the road drops past an alder stand and passes the return loop, the Hikers Camp outhouse, and then the log shelters of the camp itself. Head down the hill on a track for one-eighth of a mile, passing the remains of a concrete World War II observation bunker on your left. The structure was actually part of a U.S. Army Air Corps radar station. The bunker itself was the pedestal for an antenna that was used to scan the skies for invading Japanese aircraft and the forest was cleared to allow an open view to the west. Up to 100 men li

Trail Stats

Photos

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400px-ClatsopLoopMap

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250px-CanyonCreekFalls1

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TKO put tools to trail here.png

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