Amanda's Trail is a 5.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Yachats, Oregon that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Definitely a workout, but nothing too serious. The creeks and statue were cool features, and the forest itself was very pleasant. Only saw 4 other people, and weather was excellent.
Great trek through the forest with a few peeks of the coastline. We started at the top of Cape Perpetua to the end then back up again (a bit easier to find the trailhead than starting in Yachats). Rained most of the way, but the shelter of the forest helped. Beautiful area, fairly well maintained. Be prepared to hike up and over some areas of roots. Definite quick elevation gain hiking back up from the grotto/Amanda statue. Grotto wasn't anything to write home about, but interesting story there. No bear sightings.
Some tree fall near lookout has the top part of the trail closed right now. Amanda statue was well kept and worth the stop.
started at the West Shelter off 5553 and got about 1.8 miles in and heard the Mama Bear in the distance. My son and I turned around. I may be a mama bear but she would win. I am going to try starting at Windy Way on my next attempt. I really want to see Amanda's statue but I dont want to tangle with a bear. lots of exposed roots on the trail, but I actually like that just have to watch your footing.
Highly populated trail. If you’re looking for seclusion this ain’t your trail.
I started this Trail from Yachats (Across from Windy Way St.) For some reason the Internet says it starts at ‘Forest Hill Street #5533’ (Actually drove down there but couldn’t find it). All Trails starts it as part of the Oregon Coast Trail. But you can start it in different places. Started here to get the up hill done first. The beginnings had a grueling, long uphill section (feel the burn). Trail itself was nice. Lots of exposed roots and elevation changes. Some slick spots. Just watch your footing. I added ‘St. Perpetua’ and ‘Giant Spruce’ Trails on to this to make the run a little longer. Great views and some history. My GPS recorded 9.6 altogether. * No fee (depending on where you start) * GPS works. * Vault toilets at Cape Perpetua parking and through the campground to the Giant Spruce.
Trail in great shape for late October as the weather has been good. All the other reviews are pretty accurate so I will just point out this is a woods hike and not a scenic view hike. The trails main star this time of year were all the mushrooms. We must have seen over 20 types. Very cool! The mossy and ferny sections are pretty too. I agree with people suggesting to do this trail in reverse and start from Highway 101 area. Then you can do the uphill first and come back downhill. Our dog did get stung by yellow jackets down by the bottom of the trail which other recent reviews have stated. That was the bummer. Otherwise a lovely and semi-challenging hike. Very enjoyable!
Let me preface this with saying that I did not complete the entire hike because at mile 2.5ish there was a sign posted that said “please keep your dogs on leash past this point. Female bear and cubs have a den and are roaming nearby” and I was like NOPE and turned around. I am young female and I do most of my hiking solo + I didn’t even think about bringing bear spray to this hike because I for *some reason* thought there weren’t very many bears along the Oregon cost. Well, turns out I’m VERY wrong and they are very common in the Florence/Yachats area. That being said, I hiked round-trip about 5 miles. This hike is beautiful and it’s like a little enchanted forest as you go further into it...just so much green! Tree roots growing every which way, lush foliage, lots of unique mushrooms, slugs, and moss over everything. This is NOT the hike for you if you’re wanting ocean views the entire way through. There are incredible views at the trailhead but other than that, there is just one picturesque view at mile 1ish. However, keep in mind that there may be tons of views past the distance I went. Remember that I am talking 2.5 down and 2.5 back up. Difficulty...I am 25yrs old and very active (plus I go hiking nearly every weekend) but this kicked my ass when ascending back. If you have knee or hip issues of any sort, I would not recommend this hike. The downhill is steep and the uphill is steep (but we all know that going downhill is what causes the kind of soreness that makes you cry the next day). If you are a regular hiker, this won’t be a problem for you. I think that most able-bodied people could make it but the ascend would need to be a very slow process. I went up super fast as to get the hell away from said bear den (bears are one thing....mother bears with cubs is another). I wouldn’t recommend this for kids, as there are narrow parts of the trail and I could just see lots of tripping hazards. Wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles and other advanced gear is not needed (but do bring that bear spray for peace of mind...)
Awesome trail. Especially if you take the time to hike into Yachats and stop for food and a beer at Yachats Brewery before heading back. Has a few views of the ocean along the trail. Bees no longer near the bridge from post below, however there are signs posted from near the south end of the bridge to the northern part of the trail warning of a mother bear with cubs having a den close by. No sight of them on this hike though.
Trail along 101 is nicer than expected, ocean views. From the statue, gains 1,000ft in 1.5 miles. Nice forest, quiet, clear trail. Turned around before making the summit due to trees swaying in high winds a bit too much for our comfort. Will do it again.
It is a lovely trail. We took it into all the way into Yachats which is a good hike. According to my Garmin step counter, including the detour of the Yachats Ocean View Road, we did almost 7 miles - so know if you plan on hiking into Yachats for a meal afterwards, it's "a lot longer" than the 4.5 miles it seems to say. You walk along either 101 S. or the side trails along the road into town. We thoroughly enjoyed it for a New Year Day's hike.
Loved this trail. Started at the statue (got dropped off) and ended up at Cape Perpetua Campground, where we were camping. Lots of hills and passed through the Cape Perpetua lookout area before getting back to the campground. Loved this! My hiking partner said she once seen a herd of elk on this trail. Hiked this in September, mild somewhat wet day.