Nelson Ridge Trail #1329

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

The 17 miles of trails around Cape Mountain were designed to be shared by horses and runners. Thus, for foot traffic, these trails are wide, gently-graded, brush free, and easy to follow. There are trail maps at the major trail junctions (these are set high so someone on a horse can read them—runners may have to stretch to read them). Just remember to practice good trail etiquette and yield the trail to horses.

This trail starts on the south side of the Dry Lake Trailhead and climbs gently through a tall forest for 0.5 miles to its high point on the south side of Cape Mountain. From there, the trail descends gradually down the length of Nelson Ridge through open meadows and past several examples of huge old-growth trees. There are a few points along the ridge where there are views south toward the Oregon Dunes and west to Baker Beach. You may see elk or black bears grazing in these meadows.

At about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail drops east off the ridge and makes a leisurely descent, and easy crossing of upper Berry Creek, to end at a junction with the Berry Creek Trail #1329.8 and the Wapiti Trail #1329.9.

This trail passes through the rich and varied vegetation of Oregon's coastal forests.