Cascade Head Scenic Research Area
Notice: Two closure orders exist in the Cascade Head area: (1) Forest Road 1861 due to 2021 landslides until further notice, view map for more information; and (2) a natural resource-related seasonal closure Jan. 1-July 15 to protect sensitive nesting habitat. During this time, please do not hike on any roads, trails, or off-trail areas on National Forest lands north of the Salmon River. The exception is The Rainforest Trail, which remains open to hiking use year-round. This seasonal closure does not apply to lands managed by The Nature Conservancy.
About the Area
The 9,670 acre Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area was established by President Ford on December 22, 1974 “to provide present and future generations with the use and enjoyment of certain ocean headlands, rivers, streams, estuaries, and forested areas, to insure the protection and encourage the study of significant areas for research and scientific purposes, and to promote a more sensitive relationship between man and his adjacent environment."
The first non-wilderness land in the United States to be designated by Congress to ensure protection of its scenic, ecological, and scientific values, Cascade Head laid the groundwork for future Congressionally designated scenic areas, such as Mono Basin and the Columbia River Gorge.
The area encompasses a variety of public and private land uses, including undeveloped meadows and estuaries, agricultural fields, and rural development. The Forest Service works with landowners within Cascade Head to ensure land uses remain unchanged and the qualities that inspired its designation are retained for future generations. Following its designation, the combined area of the Cascade Head Experimental Forest and Scenic-Research Area was recognized as a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
This spectacular coastal headland provides critical habitat for native prairie grasses, rare wildflowers and the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Researchers have studied fast growing Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests here for many years. The Salmon River estuary is an integral part of the Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area. This estuary provides recreational, research, educational, scenic and estuarine resources, which have national significance. The designation established a long-term goal of restoring the Salmon River estuary and its associated wetlands to a natural estuarine system.
Watch "Grant’s Getaways" featuring Cascade Head and Hebo Lake Campground
General Information
Important Information for Cascade Head Area Landowners.
The intent of this letter is to share the USDA Forest Service review and recommendation process for construction, alteration and vegetation management activities within the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area (CHSRA). This includes proposals such as new construction, remodeling, vegetation management, new utilities, or other exterior modification of structure(s) and/or property. The goal of the review is to assist landowners with how construction and vegetation changes can be compatible and complementary to the CHSRA and consistent with the Management Plan and USDA guidelines, and not constitute a substantial change to the Cascade Head Area.
Day use only. No overnight camping or parking.
Address: 31525 Highway 22 Hebo, OR 97122
Phone: (503) 392-5100
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed on Thursdays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: r6_siuslaw_WWWeb_Front_Desk@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
The Cascade Head Scenic Research Area spans between south of Neskowin, Oregon to the junction of Highway 18 and Highway 101.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
