July 17, 2019 – An easy hike through forest, wetland and along the coast. Over the 4+ miles of hiking we did, we did not see one person. What struck me the most was how quiet it was. You can’t hear road noise and the roar of ocean waves on the beach was often muffled or completely muted by the sand dunes. The beach was also nice and would be a great place to take friends and family for an out-of-the-way beach outing. There are plenty of Sitka Spruce, coast pines, Salal, ferns, native blackberry, and other plants that make the Oregon coast home. While saw few birds, I am sure that a birder who has more patience than I, would enjoy the hike – we certainly heard several birds, especially crows. We did manage to see some ducks and a diving kestrel over the Sand Lake estuary. The threatened Western Snowy Plover also makes nests and lives along the beach that borders the natural area. Use caution and do not disturb marked areas.
There are several hiking opportunities, ranging from the full 4+ miles that we did to shorter loops, and a short hike directly to the beach. See the map. We did a clockwise loop, turning right to go on the Kinnikinnick Woods Loop first and then the Estuary View Loop. You can go either way, or something different; there are several options.
If you are feeling strong, after doing this hike, you can then get back in your car and do the 1.4-mile Whalen Island hike that you can see across the Sand Lake Estuary. Whalen Island is also a very good place for a picnic.
Trail Details:
Amenities & Other Goodies:
Designations:
Should you hike it?
According to Oregon State Parks Website: “Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is all about the views – of open water, tidal flats, saltwater marshes and forested wetlands of Sand Lake estuary; of the estuary animals, birds and plants; and for those willing to hike, beach views stretching from Haystack Rock to the south and north to Cape Lookout. The park's name comes from a beautiful native grass-like plant found in pockets throughout the property. Sitka Sedge reflects several of the unique characteristics of this new park. Graceful. Ecologically important. Natural.
“Visitors can hike the 3.5 miles of trail, including the 1/2-mile-long Beltz Dike Trail leading from the parking area west through the estuary to loop trails in the coniferous forested dunes, or continue through the dunes to the beach.”
On the Trail:
Belted Kingfisher: At the very beginning of our hike, on Beltz Dike Trail, we saw a Belted Kingfisher hovering and then diving for fish in the estuary. The Belted Kingfisher is about the size of a pigeon. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: “This majestically crested bird is often heard before being seen due to its conspicuous harsh rattling call. Kingfishers are most frequently associated with lake and pond shorelines and islands, as well as coastal dunes with ponds and widely scattered shrubs and trees. They hunt from a vantage point above water such as an overhead branch, telephone wires along shore lines or pilings of piers. This is a common permanent resident throughout most of the state except in the north Lake and east Deschutes counties where open water is generally absent.”
Western Snowy Plover: We did not see a Snowy Plover, but Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is a breeding ground for these shorebirds. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: “This small shorebird moves along the sand by foot rather than flight. It has a distinct black cap behind a white forehead, a dark line though the eye, and an incomplete black breast band. Males have darker and more distinct breeding plumage than females; both sexes loose coloration during late summer. It is the only shorebird that regularly breeds on Oregon's beaches. East of the Cascades, the Western Snowy plover is a summer resident breeding on alkaline flats and salt pans. On the Oregon coast, this species is found year-round between Heceta Head and Cape Blanco. Western snowy plovers are Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in the Coast Range, Northern Basin and Range and Nearshore ecoregions.”
Salal: There is plenty of Salal on this hike. According to The Northwest Forager TM, “Salal berry could be perhaps one of the most widely abundant and under appreciated wild fruits of the Pacific Northwest. Common along coast lines, coniferous forest, logging roads, and river banks, Salal is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed during most outdoor adventures. While resembling a leathery blueberry in appearance, it has a juicy sweet flavor all of its own. Yet even despite its current unpopularity, Salal has made its mark in times past.”
Haystack Rock: If you take one of the short trails to the beach, you will see Haystack Rock to the South offshore from Pacific City. There are two Haystack Rocks in Oregon: Cannon Beach (235 feet) and Pacific City (327 feet).
Off the Trail:
After our hike, we had beer and pub food at the Sportsman’s Pub-n-Grub in Pacific City. This is the 2nd time we have been there and, just like the first time, we loved it. If you want a taste of the true Oregon scene, then this is the place to go to. Marguerite called it, “local flavor.” This is where the locals hang out. June Bug waited on us and she is awesome! She took care of us from the moment we arrived, to a friendly farewell when we left. I felt right at home, even amongst some of the “more local” regulars. The food and beer were great and, as is our way, we ate way too much and had a good helping of beer to boot. We had the small burritos and onion rings. Unless you can eat like a horse, I suggest getting the small burrito; that was plenty of food for me. Marguerite had to get a box. We could have gone to Pelican Brewing, which we have been to and is very good, but you will not find the local flavor that you find at the Pub-n-Grub.
Of course, there are other places to eat in Pacific City, but we will be hard pressed to skip the Sportsman’s Pub-n-Grub the next time we are there, but we will try…maybe.