Oregon · Hiking

Nelson Ridge (Cape Mtn Trail)

6.9 mi
round trip
2,280 ft
climb
1,229 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Nelson Ridge (Cape Mtn Trail) open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Siuslaw National Forest. It doesn't name Nelson Ridge (Cape Mtn Trail), so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Siuslaw National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Nelson Ridge is a hard hike on the Cape Mtn Trail in the Central Coast Ranger District-ODNRA of Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 7 miles long, with a total climb of about 2,280 feet, and it is an out-and-back route that starts at roughly 880 feet and reaches a high point of about 1,229 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Florence show July highs around 68°F with only about five wet days, while winter months bring highs in the upper 40s and rain on most days. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The trail is on natural surface and allows both horses and bikes. Berry Lane (Cape Mtn Trail) is about 0.3 miles away, and Wapati (Cape Mtn Trail) is about 0.5 miles away. Baker Beach Campground is about 1.3 miles off, and Sutton Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 2.5 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Nelson Ridge (Cape Mtn Trail)

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      49° / 39°

      21 wet

    2. Feb

      51° / 37°

      19 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 39°

      22 wet

    4. Apr

      56° / 40°

      18 wet

    5. May

      60° / 43°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      64° / 46°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      68° / 50°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      67° / 49°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 46°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 44°

      16 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 40°

      19 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 37°

      21 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Florence #2, OR, 6.3 mi away at 75 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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