Cape Falcon Trail & Blumenthal Falls
Cape Falcon Trail is a popular and gorgeous trail in Oregon between Manzanita and Cannon Beach. The trail is a little over 5 miles (8.05 km) if you are able to hike all the way to the lookout without the trail being blocked by a decaying deer carcass (more on that later). The trail is mostly level and is wide enough in most places for other hikers to pass without you having to step off the trail. If you want a truly scenic hike with some adventure, then you can follow us as we detour on our way back and manage to perfectly time a visit to Blumenthal Falls and Short Sand Beach tide pools.
Challenges:
Some sections of this trail, especially near the lookout, get narrow with thick bushes on either side.
There are a few stream crossings, but they are easy with stones to step on or bridges in place.
Some sections offer wooden platforms to walk on but are not necessary.
If you want to get to Blumenthal Falls and Short Sands Beach using our shortcut, be warned, it is steep and can be difficult. Do NOT attempt if you are not confident in your balance and physical abilities.
Equipment:
Water
Snack
Sunscreen (optional)
Bug Repellent (recommended)
Hat (optional)
Good, broken in, hiking boots or shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
This hike was incredible. I don’t think I’ve been on one quite like it. There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which is good if you plan to just follow the there-and-back trail. However, if you plan to return from Blumenthal Falls and Short Sand Beach, then I would recommend parking at the main parking area for Short Sand Beach and hiking the 100-yards, crossing Short Sand Creek Bridge, to the trailhead.
Because this is the Oregon Coast, the trail is lush with green vegetation in every direction. Coming from the high plains deserts of Southern Idaho, it is remarkable. Having visited the forests of Idaho numerous times in my life, it is still impressive to see so much vegetation. We were taken aback as we walked through the trees, the large leafy plants, and the ferns that filled in almost every available empty space left to them. It was such an amazing system for supporting life with seemingly so little effort.
The trail is almost entirely shaded by the thickly wooded canopy above. Even on a warm day, this makes the hike easily bearable, especially when the cool ocean breeze rolls in. Every time we would pause, breathe deeply with arms outstretched at our sides, eyes closed. We could feel life surge through us.
To break up the endless vegetation, an occasional creek appears. Small creeks have stepping stones, while larger ones have bridges spanning them. Great moments to pause for a water break and take in the beauty where you stand. One of these creeks leads to Blumenthal Falls, but more on that later.
The further along the trail you hike, the closer you get to the ocean. Soon you will have ocean views peeking through the tall trunks of trees. A constant breeze from the ocean sweeps over you. It is magical.
As you approach the Cape Falcon Lookout, you’ll reach a part of the trail that passes between think bushes on either side that stretches several feet along the trail. This is where we had to stop our hike. Apparently, a deer had died in this spot, and the only way past was to jump over the carcass of the animal. It had only been a few days and it was not a pleasant sight. We decided to turn back there and try the rumored shortcut down to Short Sand Beach and Blumenthal Falls.
Walking back the way we came, we reached the creek that feeds Blumenthal Falls. Just beyond the creek is a small trail that diverges from the main one. Taking this trail leads you to a very steep hillside. Take care in your descent along this trail, especially once you reach the rock face. Take your time and be sure of your footing. The payoff was certainly worth it.
Scampering down the hillside, then down the rock face, brought us directly to Short Sand Beach. We were in luck, the tide was out, which meant we could walk right up and enjoy Blumenthal Falls. This small waterfall spills right into the ocean when the tide is up. It is named after an Oregon Park Ranger, Dan Blumenthal, who was killed in Oswald West State Park campground in 1999. He was the first Oregon State Park Ranger to be killed in the line of duty. Before being named Blumenthal Falls, it was known as Smugglers Cove Falls.
Another attraction for this spot during low tide is the tide pools. Hermit crabs, anemones, and what I think are blue crabs are abundant. The hermit crabs are fun to pick up and let them crawl across your hand, buttery not to take them out of the water when doing so. The anemones are fascinating. Under the water, they open themselves up and extend their tendrils. Brushing your fingers across them feels as though they are sticky. Above the water, they usually close themselves up to await the return of the tide. Blue crabs are about the size of your hand. They are very shy and like to live under the large clusters of small stones. Oh, there’s also the barnacles. These are fun to watch feed. They extend long black feather-like tendrils from their white shells, capture small bits of food, then quickly suck the tendrils back in. Fascinating to watch, especially with kids.
After taking in the waterfall and tide pools, enjoy Short Sand Beach. Watch the surfers practice on the mild waves. Soak up the sun, if there is some, on the soft sand. Walk in the shallow as the waves lap at your ankles. Just be aware of the sand fleas, they bite, and it does hurt. They were numerous and very aggressive when we were there.
When you’re ready to head back, you can follow the main trail out of Short Sand Beach right back up to the parking lot. This trail was a little busier since it had all the beach traffic, but it was easily manageable. It remained just as beautiful and full of life as the Cape Falcon Trail. It follows Short Sand Creek all the way back to the parking lot, so you get that nice creek view as you make your back to your car.
This hike was not what we planned initially. We expected to just hike the there-and-back trail. Since we were unable to reach the lookout, we made some adjustments that led us on a great adventure that we loved. It will be a fond memory for years to come. Making plans is good, but resist the urge to live only by those plans. If you don’t, you might miss out on some of the greatest, most memorable moments of your life.
I hope you enjoy our adventure and get the chance to enjoy this hike yourselves.
