Cascade Head

Cascade Head is a protected coastal area and experimental forest with meadows, forests, and cliffs rising above the Pacific Ocean. These different habitats show how natural landscapes develop along this section of Oregon's shoreline.

The Nature Conservancy purchased the land in 1966 with community support to prevent commercial development of the coastal grasslands. Since then, it has served as a research station and protected refuge.

Native American tribes maintained the grasslands through controlled burning practices, which researchers now replicate to preserve native plant species.

Visitors can explore several walking trails with varying difficulty levels, though some close seasonally. Check local conditions and access rules before planning your visit.

The meadows host a rare butterfly species that depends entirely on a specific wild violet growing here for survival. Researchers actively work to maintain these plants to ensure the butterfly's future.