Tillamook Head Trail (Northern Trailhead)
In January 1806, Clark, some enlisted men, and Sacagawea hiked up and over Tillamook Head:
“after about 2 hours labour and fatigue we reached the top of this high mountain, from the top of which I looked down with estonishment to behold the hight which we had assended, which appeared to be 10 or 12 hundred feet up a mountain which appeared to be almost perpindicular, here we met 14 Indians men and women loaded with the oil & Blubber of the whale.”
—William Clark, January 7, 1806
Today, a modern trail switchbacks up the steep slope through virgin forests with massive Sitka spruce trees. The total length is 6.5 miles, but most people hike to a couple of viewpoints and turn around.
Expect muddy conditions on the northern end of the trail, even in summer. The last 1.25 miles is in Ecola State Park, well-maintained, and connects to Cannon Beach.
Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn Historic Monument, Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 1.31 mi (straight line)
Seaside Aquarium, North Promenade, Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 1.90 mi (straight line)
Seaside Carousel Mall, Broadway Street, Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 1.91 mi (straight line)
Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 2.03 mi (straight line)
Seaside Museum & Historical Society, Necanicum Drive, Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 2.18 mi (straight line)
Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Oregon, USA
Distance: 3.32 mi (straight line)
North Gateway Park, U.S. 101, Seaside, OR, USA
Distance: 3.51 mi (straight line)
Ecola Point Viewpoint, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 3.98 mi (straight line)
Sakajawea with Lewis and Clark Wireframe Statue, N Ash St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
Distance: 4.85 mi (straight line)
Les Shirley Park, E 5th Ave, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 4.87 mi (straight line)
Ecola Creek Lodge, East 5th Street, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 4.88 mi (straight line)
NeCus’ Park, 268 Beaver St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
Distance: 4.96 mi (straight line)
Whale Park, North Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 5.08 mi (straight line)
DragonFire Gallery, South Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 5.37 mi (straight line)
Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 5.91 mi (straight line)
V2MJ+JH Tolovana Park, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Distance: 6.22 mi (straight line)
Cullaby Lake County Park, Hawkins Road, Warrenton, OR, USA
Distance: 8.04 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.
