Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve

This is one of the coolest hikes I have ever been on and it's right off the 101. I highly recommend it! It has a boardwalk trail because it is so swampy and it absolutely stunning. Perfect for any fitness level.

This place is located right off the side of 101 south of Rockaway Beach and features a boardwalk traversing an area of swamps and old growth forest. The area is preserving cedar wetlands, apparently once common along the coast and now rare, and the trail ends in a grove with some massive cedar trees, one estimated at 800 or more years old. Pretty cool. It's absolutely worth stopping by if in the area.

It was an awesome walk and I had a powerful experience that I believe was sent by God. Peaceful and relaxing.

This was such an easy hike and beautiful hike. Wood walkway the entire way to the old growth cedar well maintained and clean. There is also a small dirt trail for those who what to walk through the woods that loops around back to the main trail, so not worries about getting lost. The only thing missing were signs informational signage.

Nice place for a short walk with some good views. The boardwalk takes you to the biggest tree in Oregon. Good place to take the kids for something easy.

Beautiful place, well built. I'd love to explore the other trails once they are open.

Must see! Easy wooden path, family friendly, dog friendly. We spotted many birds, slugs, frogs and fish. We took the trail loop back. It was muddy but beautiful and our kids (6 and 8) had loads of fun jumping puddles and balancing on logs. Plus- clean porta potty in the parking lot. Highly recommend.

This place is absolutely wonderful. Need a place to meditate, think, reflect? Come here! Creation is so spectacular ✨

Beautiful deck trail. About 3/4 mile in is a huge tree.

Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve, nestled in the heart of Rockaway Beach, Oregon, is a treasure waiting to be discovered. This forest primeval, somehow marvelously preserved within an urban environment, offers a unique charm and a step back into nature's prehistoric timeline.

An easy hike, approximately a mile long, the trail is woven with enchanting views, rich biodiversity, and cute little flowers that dot the trail with spots of color. The Preserve is home to some of the most majestic Western Red Cedars, including one of the largest in the region. The Ascending Giants organization officially measured it to be 154 feet tall, with a crown spread that amasses a total of 756 points, making it a towering, humbling spectacle in the heart of the forest.

The boardwalk trail, initially installed in 2005 and updated by the Rockaway Beach City with support from ORPD, makes the trail a joy to traverse. It's accessible for all fitness levels and wheelchair-friendly, making this unique slice of nature's beauty open to everyone.

Families and dog owners will find this hidden gem particularly appealing, with abundant bird species, slugs, frogs, and fish adding to the enchantment. Children would undoubtedly find the muddy trail loop back an enjoyable adventure, with puddles to jump in and logs to balance on. Plus, the convenience of a clean porta-potty in the parking lot adds to the family-friendly nature of the Preserve.

The Preserve is also unique in its dedication to preserving the integrity of this ancient cedar bog. With a viewing platform and walkway built around the massive cedar, visitors can admire this natural marvel without inflicting harm on the environment. It's an admirable commitment to conservation, making the Preserve not only a place of beauty but a symbol of sustainable tourism.

This awe-inspiring and accessible preserve is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a nature lover or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure right off the 101, the Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve promises an experience steeped in natural beauty and tranquility.

What a wonderful walk. There is a hiking trail you can take off of the board walk but a huge tree has fallen on it. It is still possible to cross but you have to do some creative crawling over branches and things for a short bit.

I recommend to everyone. If you're looking for an easy stroll through the doors, stick to the boardwalk. If you plan to check out the trail, I suggest you wear log pants and shoes. Bird-watchers, bring your binoculars.

Well worth the stop. Nice, easy boardwalk trail

Great experience. Hats off to the crew that built the boardwalk, what a masterful work of art with a gem at the end.

No cap. I will come back here. This is a very easy walk and gives the whole family an in the middle of the forest experience (even though we are close to an RV park).

Update 2/12/2023 TRAIL CLOSED! I am sure this place is awesome, but we tried to go today and the trail was closed due to fallen trees. Sad face!

It feels as if you are in a different climate just based on the plants. A wonderful yet brief walk. It is nearly all on a wooden trail so it works for rainy days.

beautiful spot very unexpected

Beautiful and easy walk on a boardwalk, don't miss it!

Huge trees! I thought I was seeing redwoods at first. And an interesting walk over a very wet marsh. Recommended.