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Oregon Coast
Florence
Things to Do in Florence
Hobbit Trail

Hobbit Trail, Florence: Address, Phone Number, Hobbit Trail Reviews: 4.5/5

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Hobbit Trail

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Hobbit Trail
4.5
239
#2 of 32 things to do in Florence
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
239 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
67
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Al LePage
Eugene, OR18 contributions
Connect with Beach or Lighthouse on Oregon Coast Trail section!
Feb 2020
The Hobbit Trail technically takes you quickly down to the beach, with views south of Heceta Head, and north of the endless beach! Where the trailhead exists off Highway 101 on the west side (pullout on east side of road) you can also turn south (versus going west to the beach) to hike up Heceta Head to arrive at the lighthouse there, too! AND . . . another trail, the "Valley Trail" goes inland from the pullout here to the east and north, through forest to eventually reach the campground of Carl Washburne State Park in about 1.5 miles. Be sure to hike the "China Creek Loop Trail," too, it's a gem of rushing creek waters and three bridges, a few big trees, in a forested area, with varied terrain, a wonderful experience! One can essentially walk the Valley Trail north to the campground, then cross Highway 101 west to get to the beach, walk south on the beach (with a quick wade across the small creek) and usually get all the way, about 1-1.5 miles to access point "93" . . . clearly signed, which is the inland access to the Hobbit Trail itself, and in a relatively short distance . . . you're back to where you started! If you include the China Creek Loop, then you've gone about 4 miles all together, through forest, along a creek and then down the beach! What a great 2-3 hour experience! You could also add a few more miles, just before reaching you car at the trailhead pullout, by heading south to get to the lighthouse, too! That way, it's a full day experience!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen M
Chicago, IL136 contributions
Short but magical trek to the beach
Aug 2021
If you get here early enough, you can have the beach pretty much to yourself. We went first thing in the morning and had only one other couple on the whole wide beach, which made it an even more magical experience. The hike down is short, and while you are going down the whole way, it is not especially steep, so doable for most people. As you get closer to the beach it gets more hobbit like, as you go through a tunnel of green, passing almost through a trench.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sue W
Madison741 contributions
Beautiful forested hike with slices of ocean views
Aug 2021
Two places to park at Heceta Lighthouse or the trailhead parking area further north on 101. It’s on the right hand side but there is no visible sign;however, more than likely lots of cars will be parked there. From this parking area, you can hike on the China Creek trail (same side of the road as parking area about 1 mile total) or across 101 is the Hobbit trail (1.5 miles one way) and Hobbit Beach trail (.5 miles one way). The Hobbit trail leads to the Heceta Lighthouse and is pretty hilly. There are some stairs built in here and there. Otherwise, it’s natural ground cover with slippery roots and muddy spots (even though it hadn’t rained in a long time). There are benches here and there if you need a rest. The trail runs through a beautiful coastal forested area lined with tall Sitka spruce and rhododendrons. You actually expect to see a hobbit jump out somewhere. There are occasional ocean views notably of Hobbit Beach. It took us about 2 ½ hours stopping to take lots of pictures. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kwailocks
Philomath, OR10 contributions
Lost magic
Sep 2020
This trail, even a few years ago still a magical tunnel through the enclosing vegetation, is now a blasted out, overused disaster. Bandit trails wander all over the hillside and the crowds are constant. It's great that people use it and apparently enjoy it, but so much has been lost here. It would be wonderful if we could take better care of places. Start by staying on the trail!
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Donna S
Roseburg, OR305 contributions
A Fun Little Hike
Sep 2020 • Couples
I'm not a seasoned hiker, and have a replaced knee, however I was able to handle this short 1/2 mile hike down to Hobbit Beach with no problem. Fair warning for those with mobility issues: there are a few steep places and tons of roots to clamber over. The hike takes you to a very secluded beach with few people on it. The short, younger trees and shrubs will make you feel you've become a hobbit. The hike back up to the freeway is much harder, so save some energy. Important: the trail head is across highway 101 from the trail head sign. We didn't realize this and couldn't find it at first. There's very little and awkward parking.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hstevens001
107 contributions
Path to the beach, not a hike
Aug 2021 • Family
In blogs I got confusing info on this trail. I would not call this a trail or a hike. Instead it is a short but lovely path to the beach. If you want to go to the beach, then take this path. If you want a hike, then look elsewhere. This is only a mile round trip.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TSA
9 contributions
Whole trail from lighthouse to hobbit
Aug 2020 • Couples
Make sure you do the entire stretch of the trail! It truly is magical. From the views to the trees and not to mention the coastline, it is absolutely breathtaking! So glad there were a few benches along the way and pop outs for perfect pictures. A must do!
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KerrieM935
Hibbing, MN78 contributions
Hidden Gem (and like the Shire, too!)
Jun 2015 • Family
This was our first trip down the Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach. I grew up in Oregon, and didn't know about it until I read about it here, on trip advisor. All I can say is, "Wow!" The trail is lovely, shaded with moss covered trees and rhododendrons. The trail is rough in some spots, tree roots wait in ambush (ask me how I know). Some of the stairs have lost their foundations, leaving gaps where there should be steps, so do be watchful. All in all, the trail was wonderful, and led to a most secluded beach, somewhat protected from the wind. We went with family aged 6-70 and everyone LOVED it! The trail is about ½ mile long.

How to find it: head North from Florence and look for a parking area next to the highway on the right during a straight section of the highway a mile or so past Heceta Head Lighthouse. There are about ten parking spots, and you can hike to the Lighthouse from this parking spot as well. If you get to Washburn Park, you have gone too far.
Written June 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jodi B
20 contributions
Great little hike, great little beach
Oct 2014 • Family
We have been to Yachats/Florence yearly for many years and have never stopped to hike the Hobbit Trail. The directions we had weren't very clear, but did eventually find it. (If you are heading north on Highway 101, the parking area is exactly 1.0 mile from the first Heceta Head Lighthouse entrance after you cross over the bridge. The parking is on the right [east] side of the highway, cross over the highway to find the trail.) The trail was magical with lots of trees overhanging, ferns, huckleberries, and neat little twists and turns -- our four young children loved the hike. (Our 2-year-old did the whole thing on her own two feet, it's a fairly easy hike.) The beach its self was beautiful and clean. We had it to ourselves! We will definitely visit Hobbit Beach again!
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kari W
Veneta, OR1 contribution
Hiking the Oregon Coast Hobbit Style
Sep 2013 • Friends
The best way to experience the Hobbit Trail is to make it part of a bigger adventure. Park at the Carl Washburne wayside, hop on the Washburne trail and cross the highway. Journey along a magnificent forest trail, filled with incredible trees, a scenic marsh overlook, and a soft padded pathway typical of Oregon forest trails. Cross back over the highway and head up the lighthouse trail, steeper, with mystical views and glimpses of the ocean and coastline. When you come back down, head to the beach on the Hobbit Trail, with its bent over canopy of windblown trees and brush that make you feel like you are in a tunnel. Head out on the beach and walk back along the surfline to the Carl Washburne wayside, where your car is impatiently waiting, wishing it could have been along on your adventure. This is a GREAT way to spend a half day, combining three different hiking experiences and the shoreline in one fabulous outing.
Written March 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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