2 min
Overview
Settled by Philip Gearhart in the 1850s, the area of low dunes north of the Necanicum Estuary became a destination for 19th century day trippers taking the train down from the Astoria ferry terminal. In those days, the single "street" headed north-south and from it trails split off to the beach. The Ridge Path, as it is now known, is a reminder of those times, a right-of-way ambling past cottage back yards and crossing dead end streets. Visitors to Gearhart can loop back along the golf course and visit the Necanicum Estuary, a haven for seabirds at all times of the year. The Ridge Path begins on the right side of City Hall. Pass by back yards and cross 1st through 7th Streets before turning left on 10th Street. Sitka spruce, western hemlock, salal, shore pine and blooming pink honeysuckle line the trail, sometimes making it feel quite secluded. Also, there are invasives like cherry laurel and holly. At one point, right above the trail, you'll see two modern "totem poles" carved out of rooted tree trunks. The last two blocks off the trail are relatively new. You'll cross two long footbridges over a bulrush marsh before reaching a new development at 10th Street, where you'll turn left to walk up to N. Cottage Avenue. Cross this road, and turn left walk on the gravel path on the shore pine-lined west side. Watch for golfers out on the course to your right. When you reach 3rd Street, turn right and walk by large beach residences, crossing N. Marion and N. Ocean. Continue straight on a path through shore pine dotted, grassy dunes, with beach peas and seaside lupine blooming in the summer. An overlook has benches on the left and right. At the beach, you can look north to Sunset Beach and all its cars, but no vehicles are allowed down here at the Necanicum Spit. You can see south to Tillamook Head and its lighthouse. The hotels of Seaside are also visible across the mouth of the Necanicum River. In summer, you may see numerous pelicans flapping about, some gliding low over the breakers. Down near the mouth of the r
Trail Stats
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Photos
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