Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park and Heceta Head Loop

Washburn State Park beach (AKA Hobbit Beach) heading south.

One of the Waldport Walker's favorite hikes is a five-mile loop that starts at the beachside parking lot at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park south of Yachats, Oregon.  A trail just to the left of the restrooms leads down to the beach.  This scenically diverse loop could also be known as "To There and Back Again" because after heading south along the flat beach the route transitions into a climb through the fabled twisted trees of the Hobbit Trail once you turn inland at Beach Exit number 93.  

Hobbit Trail interpretive signage. 

Once you exit the Hobbit trailhead walk south on the Heceta Head Trail (aka Oregon Coast Trail) towards Heceta Head Light House.  This leg could be termed moderate to strenuous depending on your age, condition, and speed.  The trail is well-maintained but can get muddy.  It has steps on the steepest parts as you head up and then down through the forest of mainly second growth trees.  

Heceta Head Trail on a foggy day.

You are rewarded with views of the Heceta Head Light House and then extensive views of the shore and the Pacific which is well worth the huffing and puffing that brought you there.  Once recovered and full of the location's beauty you get to do it again returning to the trailhead leading down to the Hobbit Trail.

Heceta Head Light House.

From here, head inland crossing Highway 101 and then walking a short ways south to the trailhead that will put you on the Valley Trail heading north.  This is a well-marked and fairly level hike that will take you back to the entrance to Carl G. Washburne State Park.  There is an optional 0.5 mile China Creek trail that can add another mile to your walk.

Fall mushroom on the China Creek Trail.

Once back into Washburne you can follow the road to the day use parking lot and take the path immediately before you through the woods and walk directly to the day use lot and your vehicle and restrooms.