Cape Kiwanda
Pacific City, OR
A sandstone headland and big dune at Pacific City, where dory boats launch straight off the beach. Climb the dune for views of another Haystack Rock offshore, but stay behind the fences on the eroding cliffs.
Cape Kiwanda is a sandstone headland with a big sand dune at Pacific City on the Oregon coast. The Great Dune is the landmark: climb it from the sandy side slopes rather than over the vegetated top. From the summit you look out to Haystack Rock, a basalt sea stack where seabirds nest. An easy loop over the cape is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles, 70 meters or 230 feet of climb) and is considered family-friendly, though busy.
What makes the place special is that Pacific City's dory fishermen launch their boats straight from the beach through the surf and come back the same way; it is liveliest on sunny days. The soft cliff edges can collapse without warning. Several people have died here since 2009, and the safety fence was moved after sinkholes opened. Stay behind the fences.
Park at the Pacific Avenue trailhead (Tillamook County day-use fee); at low tide you can explore the rocks at the base of the cliffs. Dogs must be leashed.
- Nearest town
- Pacific City, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.2204, -123.9716
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Webb County CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Cape KiwandaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Woods County CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Cape KiwandaTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Whalen Island County CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Cape KiwandaTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Devil's Lake RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Cape KiwandaMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Trask River County CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Cape KiwandaTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Kilchis River County CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Cape KiwandaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cape Kiwanda?
Cape Kiwanda is in Pacific City, OR, at GPS 45.2204, -123.9716. It is about 17 mi from Tillamook.
Can you camp near Cape Kiwanda?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Webb County Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cape Kiwanda?
Cape Kiwanda is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon’s capes: Three Capes Route to Cape Perpetua.
What is there to see near Cape Kiwanda?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cape Lookout Trail (8 mi), Cape Meares Lighthouse (18 mi), Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area (33 mi) and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cape Kiwanda?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)