North Head

North Head Lighthouse

  • Easy (to North Head)
  • 0.6-mile loop
  • 30 feet elevation gain


  • Moderate (to McKenzie Head)
  • 4 miles round trip
  • 400 feet elevation gain


A picturesque lighthouse tops the surf-pounded cliffs of North Head. For a quick visit, take the 0.6-mile loop to the lighthouse itself. If you’re still going strong, continue 1.7 miles to the historic artillery bunker at McKenzie Head.

From Astoria, take . . .

Other Options

If you’re camped at Cape Disappointment—or if you want a shortcut to McKenzie Head—you can start . . .


This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range.