Falcon Advisory
Every year, from February 1 to July 15, Cape Horn’s lower slopes are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. The closed area includes the trail section from about 0.5 mile below the western SR 14 pedestrian underpass to the dead end of Cape Horn Road (view map for details). Failure to respect the closure can result in a $5,000 fine. Future use of the trail is dependent on hikers respecting this closure.
On the Trail
Permits & Pets
Cape Horn trails are administered by the U.S. Forest Service. No permits are required. Although the Forest Service does not require dogs to be leashed, for their protection, a leash is highly recommended. Steep cliffs have taken the lives of dogs here.
Trail notes
- Cross Salmon Falls Road to the trailhead and take the right fork. The first mile is the steepest, as the trail ascends under a canopy of bigleaf maple along a northeast-facing slope. Side trails offer increasingly impressive views of foothills and meadows. Reach a lookout at the 1.2-mile mark, after climbing about 800 feet. Views to the east include Hamilton Mountain, Beacon Rock, and Multnomah Falls.
- In 0.1 mile, bear left on a short spur trail to Pioneer Point, with its tipping tree and views southwest that include Angel’s Rest and Devil’s Rest. This makes a great destination for a 2.5-mile, out-and-back hike.
- Return to the main trail, which crosses the wide, wooded summit. The trail gradually descends and intersects an abandoned forest road. Bear left at this intersection. After 0.6 mile, reach paved Strunk Road. Cross the road, then turn left onto a footpath that leads to a wide, gravel path. After 0.2 mile on the path, turn left at a signed intersection to the Nancy Russell Overlook. This is a great lunch point. Sit atop a handcrafted stone wall and enjoy views for miles. Turn around here for a 5-mile, out-and-back hike.
- From the overlook, switchback downhill 1.2 miles under sprawling bigleaf maple and Oregon white oak. In spring, the understory is lush, green, and full of wildflowers — notably delphinium or larkspur, traditionally in full bloom around Mother’s Day. Come to SR 14, and cross under it via a pedestrian underpass. Continue on the trail, taking short spurs to two more stone overlooks with expansive views. The first is Cape Horn Falls Overlook and the second, Oak View Overlook. Beyond Oak View, the trail is closed during falcon nesting season. Turn around here for an 8-mile, out-and-back hike.
- When the entire route is open, continue west and switchback downhill. The trail veers east with occasional river views and a stunning view of Cigar Rock, a basalt pillar at the river’s edge. The trail climbs and drops through two moss-covered talus slopes and crosses a bridge at Cape Horn Falls. Continue to where the trail pops out of the woods near the end of paved Cape Horn Road. Walk the road uphill 1.2 miles, enjoying expansive views of the cliffs above and pastoral fields. Near the top of the road, turn left to walk a path through a pedestrian tunnel under SR 14 that leads back to the start (see a Cape Horn Conservancy trail map).
- Please always stay on the trail and clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers and their dogs are common vectors for spreading invasive seeds.
- Restrooms are located at the Park and Ride lot.
