Exploring the Two Capes: From Cape Kiwanda to Cape Lookout

Spring on the Oregon Coast has a different rhythm. Wildflowers begin to bloom along the trails, the forests turn bright green again, and the beaches feel quieter before the peak summer season arrives. It’s one of the best times to slow down and explore this stretch of coastline at your own pace.

Located between Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout, Two Capes Lookout offers a basecamp for experiencing some of the Oregon Coast’s most scenic beaches, trails, and outdoor spaces—all within a short drive.

If you’re planning a coastal getaway this spring or summer, here’s how to explore the area.

Start at Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda is often the first stop for visitors heading into Pacific City, and for good reason. The sandstone cliffs, wide-open beach, and sweeping ocean views make it one of the most recognizable spots on the Oregon Coast.

Spend some time:

  • Walking the shoreline

  • Watching surfers near Haystack Rock

  • Climbing the dunes for panoramic coastal views

  • Exploring tide pools during low tide

Pacific City itself is a great place to slow down for lunch, coffee, or a casual afternoon near the water.

Explore the Trails Around Cape Lookout

A short drive north, Cape Lookout offers a completely different experience—dense forest trails, dramatic coastal overlooks, and quieter stretches of coastline. The Cape Lookout Trail remains one of the area’s most popular hikes, winding through coastal forest before opening up to expansive ocean views along the cape.

Spring is especially beautiful here, with:

  • Wildflowers beginning to line the trails

  • Lush forest scenery after the rainy season

  • Cooler hiking temperatures

  • Opportunities for whale watching along the coast

This area also connects visitors to nearby outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region.

Discover Tierra Del Mar

Just steps from Two Capes Lookout, Tierra Del Mar offers a quieter alternative to some of the busier Oregon Coast beaches.

This stretch of shoreline is ideal for:

  • Morning beach walks

  • Bonfires at sunset

  • Surfing and beachcombing

  • A slower, more relaxed coastal experience

It’s one of the reasons guests return to this area year after year—the feeling of having space to breathe and explore.

Outdoor Recreation Beyond the Beach

The Oregon Coast isn’t just about the shoreline. The surrounding area continues to grow as a destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking and mountain biking. Nearby, the Buzzard Butte Trail Network development is helping expand access to mountain biking and trail experiences in the region, adding another layer to the area’s growing outdoor scene. Whether your ideal trip includes beach days, hiking trails, biking, or simply spending more time outside, this stretch of coast makes it easy to do all of it in one trip.

Plan Your Coastal Getaway

From spring hikes and wildflowers to beach days and outdoor adventures, the stretch of coast between the Two Capes offers some of the best experiences on the Oregon Coast. Ready to explore it for yourself? Book your stay at Two Capes Lookout and experience the Oregon Coast from a different perspective.

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The Perfect Road Trip from Portland to the Oregon Coast