Cape Kiwanda looks so wild (and it can be down on Pacific City beach) (2024)

Cape Kiwanda gave another warning last week that the Oregon coast can be a dangerous place when aSalem teen plunged to his death by falling from a cliff onto rocks at the edge of the ocean.

The headland at Pacific City can be a very busy place, with attractions for a variety of users. Explore the cape, but stay behind the safety fence.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Areahas the highest sand dune on the Pacific shore in Oregon _ 240 feet high. Visitors love to climb it, struggling mightily on the way up and running on the way down.

The view down onto the Pacific City beach from on top the dune takes in action you won't see elsewhere on the Oregon coast because of the comings and the goings of the dory fishing fleet. This is one of the few places in the world where boats launch and return this way.

The beach and ocean, however, are also used by people exploring tide pools, playing with dogs, launching surfboards or kayaks. It makes for a rough and tumble scene during the height of the summer season. It seems to work when everyone sticks to protocol, which means especially to stay out of the dory landing zone because they approach at high speed and control diminishes once they hit sand. If you are in the way . . .

The dory skippers give a loud blast on an air horn as they approach the surf line.

Cape Kiwanda itself is made of crumbly sandstone, prone to collapse at unexpected moments. Be very aware when exploring the western and northern sides of this beautiful, wild coastal setting.

Terry Richard
trichard@oregonian.com
503-221-8222; @trichardpdx