333 Hiking Trail

The 333 trail has everything a day hiker could want on the Oregon Coast Trail: easy access, it is well marked, beautiful scenery, lots of options, and yet it is not widely used. The trail travels through an excellent example of a temperate rain forest, down to the Pacific Coast Trail. The hiker then has the option of heading north, to a beach destination, or south and a moderately challenging hike to the top of Cape Sebastian. Hiking time can vary from 2 to 5 hours depending on the route selected.

The trail is so named because it starts at the 333 mile marker on Route 101. There is an unimproved gravel parking area about 50 feet south of the entrance. Hike into the woods, following the signpost for the Pacific Coast Trail into this first part of the trail. While there is a post indicating that the 333 trail goes to the right, take the left fork to continue to Cape Sebastian. If heading to the beach or Kissing rock, either the left branch or right branch will get you there, but the left fork is suggested. Continue downhill through the alder patches and marvel at this section of the trail that travels through the temperate rain forest.

Next, there is a signpost directing hikers to turn right to continue towards the Pacific Coast Trail. Make a mental note, as this turn may be easy to miss on your return trip. The trail continues down an access road and joins the Pacific Coast Trail at another marker. If taking the beach route, turn right and head north towards the beach (round trip is 2 hours). This hike is the shortest and easiest of the options. Otherwise, turn left and head south towards Cape Sebastian (round trip is 4 hours).

When heading south, the trail continues along an access road. Unfortunately, there are several roads in this area. As a general rule, bear to the right, even if the path looks less well traveled. The left turns head back uphill and towards Route 101.

Several Pacific Cost Trail markers line the route. Some of the trail can be overgrown, but is easy to follow. After hiking along the coast with several scenic overlooks, the trail heads up Cape Sebastian. This portion of the trail can be quite steep and challenging. The first hundred feet is the most difficult. After that, it is just steep. New steps are being installed in 2011 and this will be a considerable help. Follow to the top and the north parking lot of Cape Sebastian. If time allows, continue to the south parking lot and enjoy what may be the most spectacular view on the entire coast.

Not tired yet? Then continue south on Cape Sebastian, down to Pistol River and the beach to Meyers Creek. Otherwise, turn around and head back to the 333 trail parking lot.

Options:

Take two vehicles:
1) Park one at the Trail 333 parking lot and the second at the top of Cape Sebastian, or south along the coast at the first Pistol River parking lot.
2) Park one at the Trail 333 parking lot and the second one at the first parking lot south of Cape Sebastian (Meyers Creek).
3) Park one at the Trail 333 parking lot and the second further north at Kissing Rock.

Distances: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) from the trail head to the base of Cape Sebastian (one way).
3.6 miles (5.8 km) from the trail head to the north parking lot of Cape Sebastian (one way).
4.0 miles (6.5 km) from the trail head to the south parking lot of Cape Sebastian (one way).
6.5 miles (10.4 km) from the trail head to Meyers Creek parking lot (one way). 1300 ft total ascent.

Below is a map of the hike from the 333 mile marker up to Cape Sebastian (south) and back to the trail head. This hike can be done in either direction starting at Cape Sebastian, or at the 333 trail head.

Download kmz file of the hike from 333 TH to Cape Sebastian. Download GPX file of this hike for use in your GPS.

Download a kml file of the hite from 333 TH to the Meyers Creek parking lot. Download GPX file of this hike.