Cape Lookout Trail
Tillamook, OR
A forest trail of about 2.4 miles each way along a narrow cape to a clifftop above the ocean, one of the best whale-watching points in Oregon. The trailhead is on the Three Capes route; expect mud.
The Cape Lookout Trail is a coastal hiking trail in Cape Lookout State Park on the Three Capes Scenic Route near Tillamook, Oregon. It runs about 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip out onto the narrow cape, with a total climb of about 280 meters (930 feet). The trail starts in old-growth Sitka spruce and hemlock forest, with boardwalks over the muddiest stretches and several switchbacks.
At the end you reach a cable-fenced viewpoint with a bench, about 100 meters (350 feet) above the sea. The cape is considered one of the best places on the coast to watch whales without a boat, especially during the gray whale migrations in fall and spring. About halfway along, a plaque marks the site of a B-17 bomber crash in 1943. Expect mud, especially on the saddle, and keep well back from the steep cliffs. The trail is popular; allow up to four hours.
- Nearest town
- Tillamook, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.3405, -123.9746
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)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Whalen Island County CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Cape Lookout TrailTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Webb County CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Cape Lookout TrailTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Woods County CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Cape Lookout TrailTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Tillamook Bay City RV ParkMotorhome stopover13 mi from Cape Lookout TrailMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Kilchis River County CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Cape Lookout TrailTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Trask River County CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Cape Lookout TrailTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cape Lookout Trail?
Cape Lookout Trail is in Tillamook, OR, at GPS 45.3405, -123.9746. It is about 26 mi from Lincoln City.
Can you camp near Cape Lookout Trail?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cape Lookout Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 51 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cape Lookout Trail?
Cape Lookout Trail is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon’s capes: Three Capes Route to Cape Perpetua.
What is there to see near Cape Lookout Trail?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cape Kiwanda (8 mi), Cape Meares Lighthouse (10 mi), Haystack Rock (38 mi) and Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cape Lookout Trail?
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)