Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Coastal park in Pacific City, Oregon, United States
Cape Kiwanda is a coastal preserve near Pacific City featuring sandstone cliffs and dunes that rise above the Pacific shoreline. The landscape offers hiking trails with viewpoints overlooking the ocean, and the sandy beach remains accessible for visitors and working fishermen throughout the year.
The area became a state natural area in 1973 when Oregon acquired it through purchase and donation from landowner B. A. McPhillips. This protection ensured the coastal landscape would be preserved with its geological features intact for public use.
The beach hosts traditional dory boat fishing, where local fishermen launch their vessels directly from the sand each day. This practice has shaped the working character of the shoreline for generations.
The site is open during daylight hours with parking available near the entrance. Trail access is straightforward, and multiple entry points lead to the beach and cliff viewpoints, making exploration accessible for visitors of various abilities.
The sandstone cape continuously erodes from wave and wind action, reshaping its surface and creating new patterns regularly. Visitors can witness these natural processes at work, observing how the landscape transforms with each visit.
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