Coastal Mountains

In late March, I returned to the Oregon Coastal Mountains. Humbug Mountain had a significant advantage: its easy accessibility. I parked directly off Highway 26, on the side of a logging road.

The hike offered a rich experience, including early wildflowers in vibrant colors, signs of elk, panoramic views of Onion Peak and the surrounding rugged Coastal Mountains, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through the clouds, and the presence of various small birds.

Humbug Mountain

There is a locked gate on the logging road, but the area is accessible to hikers with a free recreational permit. Nuveen makes obtaining the pass a straightforward process, so be sure to thank them!

The hike is relatively short, covering under six miles round trip. The path primarily consists of logging roads, although some sections can be quite steep and rocky.

The “trail” concludes with a final climb to the 2,500-foot summit, where a cellular tower is located. As anticipated, the views from the top were truly breathtaking.

The descent was a pleasant experience on a beautiful day. Similar to my Storey Burn hike earlier that week, I encountered no other hikers. It was truly an amazing, secluded experience!