Stats, trail tips and important information regarding this trail are located at the bottom of the blog post. Unless explicitly noted, all pictures in this blog are owned by me and should otherwise not be used without expressed written consent.

It’s no secret that I love the Oregon Coast. If given the opportunity, I will always partake in some coastal exploration while in this beautiful state. The Crescent Beach Trail hike was part of a solo trip I took back in 2019. Some people find the idea of a solo trip stressful, boring or dangerous. True, a solo trip does have a different ‘feel’ to it. But this exercise really allows you to trust and rely on yourself more in addition to getting some quiet solitude.

Crescent Beach is no secret. With Cannon Beach nearby you most likely won’t be by yourself on this trail. Fortunately for me, I picked a slow time of the year. It was wet but still quite enjoyable.

The trail is not particularly exhausting overall but these stairs early on may make you wonder otherwise…

This hike was muddy and slippery due to the weather conditions. Be careful on these stairs and bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.

The hiking distance of this hike is modest and you’ll be seeing the coast within 30 minutes after the hike begins.

Keep hiking and, magically, you get closer to the coast. 😂 This is, after all, a coastal hike. The sea was relatively rough due to the weather conditions…

The gorgeous beach soon comes into full view. Check out those sea stacks! The weather sure does enhance the beauty.

Of course, I have to stop for a self pic…

I took a long stroll down the beach and found some amazing photo opportunities. Check out how the sky casting on the wet beach paves a pathway to these two sea stacks. If this were a dream, you may think this is a road to heaven.

The wind-swept sand, sea stacks and water reflection made for a compelling photo location…

Wow, this is such a beautiful beach. One could argue that it would be more beautiful on a sunny day – I’m not so certain.

Afterward, I had dinner at the Wayfarer Lounge & Restaurant. It was a rainy week day and slow so I was able to get a spot right by the window overlooking the iconic Hay Stack Rock. The food was quite excellent and the atmosphere was classic and unvarnished. It hit the spot.

I then headed south down the beach to the wonderful Arch Cape Inn.

Distance Hikes: 3.06 miles (includes extra beach walk time)
Calories Burned: 449
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trail Features: Lush coastal foliage, sand, beach, mud, stairs, ocean, sea stacks
Best Time to Hike: May through September
Difficulty Rating: 7/10
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.9193400, -123.9731199
Trail Tips:

• Prepare for Mud: Of course depending on the weather, this hike can be quite muddy. Make sure you’re wearing the right shoes if the area has experienced (or is experiencing) rain
• Parking Relatively Limited: I had no trouble parking due to the weather conditions but I suspect some days the parking lot will fill up quickly (think the summer months).