Hiking in Seaside, Oregon: Coastal Trails & Forested Ridges

Start your Seaside hiking journey with the most iconic walk in town: the Promenade. Stretching 1.5 miles along the beach, this paved pathway is more stroll than hike—but it’s perfect for warming up your legs before tackling bigger adventures. Watch surfers bob in the waves near “the Cove,” feel the salty breeze, and listen to the crash of the Pacific.

Hiking in Seaside, Oregon: Coastal Trails & Forested Ridges

Seaside, Oregon may be famous for its historic Promenade, oceanfront eateries, and family-friendly surf, but step just beyond the town center and you’ll discover one of the North Coast’s best collections of hiking trails. If you’re planning an outdoor escape to the Oregon Coast, here’s your guide to the best hikes in and around Seaside, plus what to expect along the way.

The Seaside Promenade & Beach Walk: The Classic Stroll

Distance: Up to 2.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Why go: Ocean views, people-watching, sunsets, tidepooling nearby

If you want a more rugged version, step off the Prom onto Seaside Beach. Hike north toward the Necanicum River mouth or south toward Tillamook Head. Low tide reveals broad stretches of packed sand that make for easy walking, and sunset here is among the best on the coast.

Tillamook Head Trail: Seaside to Ecola State Park

Distance: 6.3 miles one way (12.6 round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Why go: Old-growth forest, bluff-top viewpoints, Lewis & Clark history, wildlife

This is the crown jewel of hiking near Seaside. The Tillamook Head Trail climbs through steep, emerald-green coastal forest with towering Sitka spruce, sprawling ferns, and moss-draped branches that create a true Pacific Northwest atmosphere. Start at the south end of Seaside near “the Cove,” where a trailhead leads immediately into the forest.

At the top, you’ll reach a historic World War II radar station, now moss-covered and hauntingly beautiful. Continue slightly farther for the breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Tillamook Rock Lighthouse—nicknamed “Terrible Tilly.” Perched on a lone basalt sea stack, the lighthouse is dramatic in stormy weather and serene in summer sun.

The full route to Ecola State Park is an all-day endeavor, but even an out-and-back to the summit viewpoint is worth the climb.

Ecola State Park: Sea Cliffs, Forest Loops, and Wildlife Watching

Just 10 minutes south of Seaside, Ecola State Park offers some of the most scenic hiking on the entire Oregon Coast. Though technically part of Cannon Beach, it’s close enough to be a consistent Seaside adventure—many visitors stay in Seaside and drive here for day hikes.

Indian Beach to Tillamook Head

Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
A forested trail with coastal overlooks, perfect for hikers who want a solid workout without committing to the full Seaside–Ecola trek.

Clatsop Loop Trail

Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Overlooks of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
This well-loved loop blends spruce forest with sweeping headland views. Interpretive signs share stories of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who traversed this very terrain in 1806.

Necanicum Estuary & Waterfront Walks

Distance: 1–3 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Easy
Why go: Birdwatching, peaceful waters, photography

For something serene, wander the Necanicum Estuary on the north end of town. Wooden footbridges, grassy marshlands, and quiet walking paths make this area especially beautiful in the early morning when fog hangs over the water. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birding—herons, egrets, osprey, and even bald eagles frequent the area.

Saddle Mountain (A Bigger Adventure Nearby)

Distance: 4.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Hard
Drive from Seaside: About 45 minutes
Why go: Jaw-dropping summit views, wildflowers, coastal panoramas

While not in Seaside itself, Saddle Mountain is a beloved local hike and an epic day trip. The trail ascends through coastal forest before emerging onto rocky meadows and open ridgelines. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and miles of rolling hills. In summer, wildflower displays blanket the upper slopes.

It’s steep and can get muddy, but the payoff is unforgettable.

Best Seasons for Hiking Around Seaside

Summer: Warm, dry, and ideal for tackling longer trails. Expect crowds.
Fall: Crisp air, changing foliage, and quieter paths—one of the best times to visit.
Winter: Moody skies, storm watching, and dramatic waves; stick to lower, safer trails.
Spring: Wildflowers begin to bloom, and waterfalls along forest trails are at their peak.

No matter the season, pack layers—Seaside weather shifts quickly.