Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Beachfront spot known for its waves & wind (kites, hang-gliding) plus picnics, fishing & hiking.
Who's here now
Check-ins and busy reports auto-expire after 2 hours.
to let others know how many dogs are at this park right now.
How was Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area?
Your review helps other dog parents decide
Google Reviews
(from Google)Our family vacation to Pacific City was absolutely unforgettable! We also visited Cape Kiwanda, and the views there were truly breathtaking. The combination of the ocean, cliffs, sand dunes, and sunset scenery made it feel like a dream destination. Every corner looked picture-perfect and peaceful. The beach was beautiful, clean, and relaxing, and the drive to Pacific City itself was scenic and enjoyable. The roads along the coast offered amazing ocean views that made the journey just as special as the destination. We loved spending quality family time walking on the beach, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the waves. One thing we really enjoyed was the food scene. There were so many great restaurants, cafes, and local places to explore nearby. From seafood to cozy coffee spots, everything added to the charm of the trip. There are also many nearby attractions and beautiful places to visit around the area, making it a perfect vacation spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to relax and enjoy nature. Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda gave us memories we will always cherish. The natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, friendly vibe, and stunning coastal views make this one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Oregon. We had an amazing time and would definitely love to visit again. Do t forget to buy the gifts from here they are absolutely worth .
One of our favorite places to go with kids and friends. It gets very popular on the weekends, consider going much earlier or much later in the day to avoid the high use time (10am-4pm). There is a lot to do and experience. If you are here first time and would like to get in the water, beware that Pacific ocean here is cold, always cold, don't matter what time of the year. Now, don't get discouraged - stop by local surf shop and rent a wetsuit, you won't regret it and will be able to enjoy playing with waves for hours. If a wetsuit is not your cup of tea, consider walking alongside the water, dipping your toes, hiking up cape Kiwanda sand hill with amazing view of the coast line or walking around dunes nearby. Bring a kite to enjoy and bring yourself back to childhood. Also check out tide pools by the cape base, but please, please, do not disturb wild sea creatures and do not walk over barnacles. When hungry, remember that waiting for an hour to get a table at the restaurant is guaranteed. Consider crossing the street and getting a sandwich from the local market.
You can drive right down to the water here if you want. It's a nice, clean, and usually not too crowded place to hang out. My dog loves the beach, so we go as often as we can.
Starting from the Thousand Trails campsite, I headed to Pacific City Beach with my three puppies. We climbed Cape Kiwanda Sand Dune and crossed to the other side, following the sand dunes to McPhillips Beach Access. This round trip was about 3.5 miles. It was a clear, sunny morning and took us roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to return to the campsite. I recommend wearing a mask and hat if you walk on the sand dunes on a day with even slightly more wind than usual. The wind can whip up sand, which can get into your mouth, nose, and hair. This place is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Such a beautiful place, amazing views of the cliffs, caves, dunes and the ocean. At the low tide you can find starfish and other creatures on the rocks. Free admission and parking lot in August.