Follow the Mystical Hobbit Trail Leading to a Secluded Oregon Beach

by | Jul 30, 2024 | Adventures

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Just off the Oregon coast near Florence lies a short but stunning hike from Hobbit Beach to Heceta Head. The Hobbit Trail begins at a modest parking pull-out just north of Heceta Head State Park, so keep a keen eye out to avoid missing it. You'll need to park across the highway at the China Creek Trailhead. As you cross the road to escape the traffic, you'll find yourself immersed in a deep, lush coastal forest lined with Sitka spruce and rhododendrons.

backpacker

A short distance into the hike, you'll encounter a signed trail junction. Take the left path to stay on the Hobbit Trail, leading you to a beautiful, secluded beach.

View of the beach and parking area from the lighthouse (Ryananddebi.com)

The right path offers a longer hike to Heceta Head. While the beach is an excellent spot to relax, the real adventure lies in wandering through the enchanting forest. The end of the trail takes you under thick bushes, creating a tunnel perfect for kids and hobbits. Many hikers describe this trail as magical, with the possibility of spotting a gnome at any moment.

hobbit trail oregon
J We / Flickr

On Hobbit Beach, you'll find seashells and dead crabs, and nearby tide pools and rocks covered in barnacles. The beach at the end of the Hobbit Trail is within the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas. As a result, fishing and the harvesting of fish, invertebrates, and seaweed are strictly prohibited. If you wish to explore further, you can take the 2-mile trail to the left of the sign to Heceta Head Lighthouse.

A photo of Heceta Head Lighthouse

The round trip to Heceta Lighthouse from the trailhead on Highway 101 is about 4 miles. Allow a couple of hours to fully appreciate the beauty of the hike. Be mindful of your footing, as rushing through will make you miss the sylvan grandeur.

The trail is mostly uphill, and can be slippery if it rains. Eventually, you'll reach the Heceta Head Lighthouse, which offers personal tours every 20 minutes.

How to Get to The Hobbit Trail

From Florence, travel 12 miles north on Highway 101. From Yachats, head 15 miles south. You'll find the roadside parking approximately half a mile from Heceta Head Lighthouse Scenic State Viewpoint, formerly known as Devils Elbow State Park.


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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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