The Oregon Coast's 'Hobbit Trail' Is An Enchanting Hike Through A Mossy Fairyland To A Secret Beach

What could be better than a hike? An adventure through a magical fantasy land is a good answer. Unfortunately, you can't just jump into your favorite story to enjoy the world and beautiful scenery. However, you can find amazing destinations that offer very similar views. For lovers of J.R.R. Tolkien and the world he built, you can find something in Oregon that makes you forget you are still on Earth, with a name fully representative of this similarity. It's known as the Hobbit Trail, and is just as magical as you might imagine, ending on a beautiful bit of beach. 

The path is 13 miles away from Florence, an underrated town offering all the best of a Pacific Northwest getaway titled "Oregon's coastal playground." To get there, you just drive up Highway 101 until you find the parking area. This is not a long hiking trail by any means. It's only 1 mile to the beach and back, and the beautiful scenery is sure to keep you distracted the entire way. Though it isn't long, it can be considered somewhat difficult, at least on the way back. It's a nice and easy walk to the beach that's an entirely downhill trail. Unfortunately, that means the way back isn't so pleasant, as you have to go uphill. 

The trail is surrounded by beautiful Sitka spruces, moss, and rhododendrons lining the way. Then, at the very end of the tunnel, it splits. You can continue on the path, or follow a "tunnel" created by a beautiful waterfall. It is this option that really gives the trail its name, more so than even the rest of the path and its towering trees.

Shortly after the tunnel, you will suddenly be in the sand, also called Hobbit Beach. The area itself is beautiful. There are rip tides to be aware of, as well as a chance of sneaker waves, so it's important to keep a close eye on the water at all times. However, as long as you are being cautious, there is no reason why you can't pick seashells or enjoy a nice picnic before heading back.

If you can, try to do all of this hike during the least busy parts of the day, as parking is limited. It's also worth noting that this hike isn't ideal for those with difficulty walking. Though the hike is short, the elevation, uneven ground, and roots along the trail can make it difficult for some people to traverse.

Though this is a beautiful destination, it is hard to want to plan a trip around a hike that's just a mile long. Thankfully, there are several other hikes in the area to enjoy. If you want a longer trail and more of a chance to see the mossy fairyland, you can take the Heceta Head and Hobbit Beach Loop. This is a 6.6-mile hike with moderate difficulty. It's another beautiful trail that will take you to the Heceta Lighthouse before guiding you back towards your vehicle. There is also the Valley Trail and China Creek Look, which is a 3-mile round-trip path. Along the way, you will see plenty of different habitats, including forests, ponds, marshes, and streams. 

When you are done with these trails, you can explore the rest of Darlingtonia State Natural Site, which takes up land between Florence and Hobbit Beach. It's an interesting destination because it has a fun boardwalk trail, and it's the only state park in Oregon focused on protecting a single plant. While following the boardwalk, you'll come across a few pitcher plants, specifically a species called Darlingtonia californica.

Or, you can head a few more miles north and spend time adventuring through Cummins Creek Wilderness, a secret old-growth rainforest and one of Oregon Coast's most underrated destinations. This area encompasses over 9,000 acres and includes two rivers, fragile soil, and plenty of trees to create a stunning scene.

Cummins Creek Wilderness is near Yachats, a hidden seaside town with scenic rocky shorelines and quirky shops known as the "gem of the Oregon Coast" and a perfect place to visit if you want to travel up and down the coastline for a while. There are plenty of chances in this small town to see ocean wildlife in tidepools and rocky shoals near the coast, and the beach itself. There are also opportunities for shopping to get all sorts of items, including fun goods unique to the area. Of course, you'll want to stop and check out Florence as well, where you will find restaurants delivering delicious seafood and plenty of chances to relax or explore, depending on your preferences. If you stay at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, you not only get a pleasant place to overnight, but a chance to see a friendly ghost.