Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach

Caught this trail on a sunny winter day and it was perfect. I took the inland route straight up, which was wide and fairly straight, and full of old growth sitkas. I walked out to the lighthouse view and listened to the huge tides crashing below. Continued the loop down along the coastline and caught a number of different views of the sunset. Western trail was way more interesting with twists and turns and different vegetation. Highly recommend!

Beautiful densely forested hike with occasional stunning views of the ocean. We went up the Eastern side of the hike which followed a creek for part of the way then traveled along ferns and spruce (some impressively large!); steep, wide, and even. Stopped to go out to the viewpoint of the lighthouse at Hiker's Camp; definitely recommend. The Western side was much rougher and narrower with several downed trees over the trail and some slick muddy parts. Towards the end there were several show stopping views of Indian Beach and even Haystack Rock in the distance. Indian beach was the perfect after-hike hangout to eat our lunch. We hiked with a baby and toddler and had a great time. (Note! the trail down to Indian beach had very large driftwood logs piled up at the base and required some climbing; tricky but doable with the kids)

Great views. Perfect for a hike with the pups.

Go left if you want all downhill on return trip to Indian beach. Great views.

A nice incline up the eastern trail that led to hiker’s camp and the overlook. A more winding path along the western edge that leads back to Indian beach. Next time, I would definitely take the trail all the way to Seaside. Hiker’s camp is a neat spot for a rest or picnic.

I went up the inland side first. A challenging up hill and then came down the Sea side and enjoyed some gorgeous views.

Fun trail

Forest is amazing, some great views of ocean on the route back. Check out trail profile a workout up hill

Awesome quick trail. Great views of the ocean from some of the spots. The beginning is steep, but after you conquer that part its pretty smooth sailing.

Good hike but definitely a challenge up the logging road - all up hill and very steep! There was a bad washout right before the lookout to the lighthouse that prevented one of our group from seeing the lighthouse until we continued on the loop. We also had to navigate the fallen tree across the trail and the many tree roots that were tripping hazards. The payoff was the lighthouse and coastal views on the way down. Good hike but definitely not for small kids unless you want to carry them most of the way.

Good hike- serious incline for half of the hike. On the way down, there was a fallen tree trunk you need to climb over. I posted a pic of this. The ground on the other side was softer than expected and my brother fell. Luckily, he caught himself before falling into the ravine. Please be careful of this! Otherwise, good workout and good hike.

Very fun and a good exercise

excellent veiws from the top! only people on the trail. It did rain before we got there, so there were a few mosquitoes!

This trail was great. Lots of variety in things to see. Coastal forest with large snails/slugs, mushrooms , huge ferns and gigantic trees on the way up. Be sure to trek past the hikers camp to the Tillamook Rock Light viewpoint and see a couple of WWII bunkers on the way. On the way down there are several great viewpoints of Indian Beach , Cannon Beach seastacks, and an alternate view of the old lighthouse. Hiked it today and it had some slick spots and my chacos were probably not the best choice. Very overgrown in spots on the way down but overall a great hike.

Like most people reviews take the path to the right (east and trek uphill and get that workout part over with. It is a steep uphill climb for the first 20 minutes and you level out to a hikers camp area. Before looping back enjoy the lighthouse views and the black sand beaches below that I will find a way to get to sooner or later. The decend is pretty good and we finished this hike in less than 2 hours because we did stop and explore a bit. Since we paid the $5 Ecola day pass we started with this hike then drove to the other parking lot and did Cresent beach trail as well.

The loop was great, although there were parts of the west side of the trail that were not cut back. You can still get through just fine but it’s just a concern for the leashed dogs to get ticks.

The East side of the loop has pretty much nothing to see and is a smooth up trail. Then you get to the top, the campground, and can optionally go down to get your first view of the light hose. Going down on the ocean side is pretty at the second half of it.

Easy, quick, beautiful hike. We went there on Mother's Day, it was a bit muddy but well worth it!

great views, easy hiking, big trees!

It was a very steep climb up the logging road with creek views lapsing into a woodland area, but dipped downward to the hiker's camp. Walked past the camp to the viewpoint. Great view of lighthouse yesterday. it was clear and upper 50s. Returned to my car via the second part of the loop going along the ocean. Many great views though more muddy in places. It was a treat. Will go again.

really enjoyed this hike and the wonderful views it offered of the Tillamook Lighthouse, Indian Beach, and old growth forests.

This was a beautiful short hike. GPS said it was 3.2. Was able to watch the sunset.

Beautiful views on the way back, and gorgeous forest scenery. Not too difficult and a great family hike, especially if you get a great day of weather on the coast!

Start with the western trail for best views on the way up. At the top, be sure to veer to the left to see the military battery; very Darma Initiative like (Lost fans). I'm not exceptionally fit but managed the climb fine; helps to have so many photo opps to catch your breath.

So fun! I want to do it again! I would recommend going up the small trail and coming down the more wide, paved trail. The small trail (to the left at the start) has switchbacks while the other side is straight up hill.

Great trail... yeah it's got mud. It's Oregon. We passed several people on the trail in flip flops. Lol, again it's Oregon. Next rip out to the PNW I will backpack the entire Lewis and Clark Trail. Thanks Oregon!

Did the hike and it was beautiful! Very muddy and a few fallen trees but just amazing!

A very simple trail though if you do it counter clockwise be prepared to do a constant 1+ mile uphill which is extremely tedious and annoying but at least it will always be in the shade. Best to do it clockwise, if you want it to be easier.

Beautiful views on the way back down. The way up was beautiful but don't expect to see the ocean.

Excellent Oregon coastal forest hike.