Hart's Cove Trail #1303

Area Status: Closed

There is a seasonal area closure from January 1 to 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.

This scenic trail descends about 900 feet in elevation through a Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest, crosses two seasonal creeks and ends at a prairie headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Chitwood Falls cascades off the backside cliff at Hart's Cove. An unseen cove to the south resounds with the barking of sea lions. The strenuous trail traverses steep forested hillsides to a grassy meadow on the ocean’s edge.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Due to a landslide in 2021, Forest Road 1861, which accesses the Rainforest Trail #1310 - Road 1861 Trailhead, Hart’s Cove Trail #1303 and Hart’s Cove Trailhead, is closed to vehicle traffic from Hwy 101. The landslide washed out a section of the road approximately half a mile from Highway 101, creating impassable conditions. Hart’s Cove Trail #1303 can be accessed by hiking the Rainforest Trail #1310. Tillamook County emergency response is limited in the Cascade Head area due to restricted access to FSR 1861 and cell service is limited. See map for details. There is a seasonal area closure from January 1 to 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.
Open Season: July 16 - December 31
Restrictions: Day use only. No overnight camping or parking.
Closest Towns: Hebo, OR
Water: No
Restroom: No
Information Center: Hebo Ranger District
31525 Hwy 22
Hebo, OR 97122
503-392-5100

General Information

Directions:

Access to this trail is at Hart's Cove Trailhead .

Map showing road closure in effect for FSR 1861 in the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area

Trail Map (Geospatial PDF)


General Notes:

Close to:


Activities

Day Hiking

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Plants

Viewing Scenery

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
2.7 miles

  Elevation : 
1,000 feet to 180 feet