The best walks and hikes around Manzanita

Hike the difficult 12.1-mile Neahkahnie Mountain and Elk Flats Trail Loop for stunning coastal views and diverse Oregon Coast scenery.

The Nehalem Bay Trail Loop offers a delightful and easy 1.8-mile (2.8 km) hike, featuring a mere 28 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain and taking approximately 43 minutes. You'll journey through shaded coastal forest, along the serene Nehalem Bay, and even loop around a small airstrip, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and an unexpected landmark. The trail's flat, accessible terrain, a mix of paved and gravel, makes it ideal for a relaxed outing, with pleasant bay views and opportunities for wildlife spotting like deer and various birds.

Planning your visit to this family-friendly and dog-friendly trail is straightforward, as it's nestled within Nehalem Bay State Park. It serves as a fantastic option for those looking for a gentle walk or a break from beach activities, offering a peaceful coastal environment. The trail's easy difficulty ensures it's suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for beginners or anyone seeking a leisurely experience.

What truly sets the Nehalem Bay Trail Loop apart is its distinctive setting on a four-mile-long sand spit, positioned between the vast Pacific Ocean and the calm Nehalem Bay. This unique location, combined with the trail's path around an airstrip, makes it a notable feature of the Oregon Coast. It's a versatile loop that welcomes both hikers and bikers, providing a refreshing way to experience the park's picturesque coastal dunes and wide sandy beaches.

The Sunset and Nehalem Beach Walk offers a truly relaxing coastal experience, guiding you along soft, expansive sandy beaches and through gentle coastal dunes. You'll be treated to continuous, expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, with the chance to spot seals near the Nehalem River mouth. This 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike is rated moderate, but with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, it's more about the distance than the climb, making it an easy hike for most.

Plan your visit to Nehalem Bay State Park, where the trail begins, and you'll find ample parking. This route is especially popular for its stunning sunsets, so consider an afternoon start to catch the golden hour. The trail is also very dog-friendly, allowing your furry companions to roam off-leash on the beach if they're under voice control.

What sets this trail apart is its unique location on a four-mile-long sand spit, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay. This creates a distinctive coastal ecosystem with lush shore pine forests and tranquil estuarine waters, offering a varied landscape beyond just the beach. It's a fantastic option for those seeking easy hikes in the Nehalem Beach area.

Imagine walking on a narrow strip of land with the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the calm Nehalem Bay on the other. The Nehalem Spit Trail offers just that, an easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike with a mere 8 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 51 minutes to complete. You'll find yourself on sandy beaches and vegetated areas, with views of Neahkahnie Mountain emerging as you go, making it a perfect easy hike for diverse scenery.

To plan your visit, head to Nehalem Bay State Park, where you'll find parking for the trailhead. While the trail is easy, be mindful of potential sun exposure and strong coastal winds; comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned, making it a straightforward outing for most.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its unique location on a sand spit, providing a rare opportunity to experience both ocean and bay environments simultaneously. It's a haven for wildlife, offering excellent chances to spot harbor seals, elk, deer, and various bird species. This accessibility and abundant wildlife viewing make it a standout option among family-friendly hikes near Nehalem Spit.