World Oceans Day Hike

The view from Neahkahnie. Photo by Justin Knott.

Three coastal conservation groups—Friends of Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, Lower Nehalem Watershed Council, and North Coast Land Conservancy—have joined forces to sponsor a hike to the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain in observance of World Oceans Day.  The hike takes place June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Meet at Oswald West State Park (on Highway 101 between Manzanita and Arch Cape). 

Guides for the hike will be Chrissy Smith, coordinator for the Friends of Cape Falcon Marine Reserve (also part-time director of Friends of Netarts Bay), who has a background in oceanography and marine resource management; Alix Lee, coordinator for the Lower Nehalem Watershed Council, who has a background in marine science, fisheries and water quality monitoring, and now focuses on restoration and education in the lower Nehalem watershed; and Katie Voelke, executive director for the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) and a field biologist by training.

The trip offers a chance to learn more about what NCLC calls the “Coastal Edge” and the groups Coastal Edge Initiative.  The round-trip hike is 2.6 miles with 890 feet of elevation gain. The trail is mostly in good condition, but in places it is steep and muddy with rocks and tree roots underfoot. There are no toilets at the trailhead. Please leave your dog at home on this group hike. Bring water and a lunch to enjoy on the summit. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the day’s weather.

To register for this event, go here.