Humbug Mountain State Park
🌲 Oregon Coast’s Highest Oceanside Summit — 1,756-Foot Old-Growth Rainforest Hike Rising Directly From the Pacific — A rugged coastal park with a 5.5-mile summit trail through old-growth temperate rainforest, year-round camping, beach access, and Oregon Coast Trail — Curry County, Oregon
Humbug Mountain State Park protects one of the highest headlands on the entire Oregon coast — a 1,756-foot mountain that rises directly from the Pacific Ocean through dense, old-growth temperate rainforest. The 5.5-mile Humbug Mountain Trail climbs through towering Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, grand fir, Oregon myrtle, and Western red cedar to a summit with sweeping views down the southern Oregon coast.
At the base, a year-round campground nestles in a sheltered forest canyon along Brush Creek — one of the warmest camping spots on the coast, protected from ocean winds by the mountain itself. A pedestrian tunnel beneath Highway 101 connects the campground to a sandy beach at the Brush Creek estuary, and the Oregon Coast Trail passes directly through the park.
Humbug Mountain Trail
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 5.5-mile loop | 3+ hours, moderate-strenuous |
| Elevation | 1,756 ft summit | Highest oceanside headland on coast |
| Forest | Old-growth rainforest | Douglas-fir, spruce, Oregon myrtle |
| Views | Southern coast panorama | Best on clear days |
| Trailhead | Off US-101 | Pedestrian tunnel from campground |
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Hike | 5.5-mile old-growth loop | Oregon’s highest coastal headland |
| Camping | Year-round campground | Electric + tent sites, hiker/biker camp |
| Beach | Sandy beach via tunnel | Brush Creek estuary, beachcombing |
| Oregon Coast Trail | Passes through park | Old highway segments, ocean views |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | 55–70°F | Clear summit views, beach, dry trails |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 45–60°F | Mushroom foraging, storm watching |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 45–58°F | Wildflowers, waterfalls, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 40–52°F | Year-round camping, storm watching |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | FREE | No parking fee required |
| Campsite (Electric) | $28–$32/night | Year-round, hot showers |
| Tent Site | $19–$22/night | Forested, sheltered |
| Hiker/Biker | $7/night | Walk-in only |
| Day Trip | FREE | Summit hike + beach access |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the summit trail?
Moderate to strenuous. The 5.5-mile loop gains about 1,700 feet of elevation through old-growth forest. Allow 3+ hours and bring water — there are no services on the trail.
Is it really the highest headland on the Oregon coast?
One of the highest. At 1,756 feet rising directly from the ocean, Humbug Mountain is among the tallest coastal headlands in Oregon.
Can I camp year-round?
Yes. The campground operates year-round. The sheltered valley location makes it one of the warmest camping spots on the southern coast.
Wildlife & Nature
Humbug Mountain — rising 1,756 feet directly from the ocean — is one of the highest coastal mountains on the Oregon coast and offers one of the finest coastal hikes in the state. The 5.5-mile trail climbs through distinct ecological zones — from beach and coastal scrub through old-growth Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and Port Orford cedar to ridgetop meadow. Port Orford cedar — a rare endemic tree found only in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California — is threatened by a deadly root disease (Phytophthora lateralis) that has devastated many groves. The mountain’s elevation gradient supports 11 species of conifers — one of the highest tree diversities of any single mountain in the Pacific Northwest. Roosevelt elk, black bears, and black-tailed deer use the park.
Nearby Attractions
Port Orford — America’s westernmost incorporated city — features a unique dolly dock where fishing boats are lifted by crane. Cape Blanco — Oregon’s westernmost point — has an 1870 lighthouse. Battle Rock Beach in Port Orford commemorates an 1851 conflict. Prehistoric Gardens features life-sized dinosaur models in a rainforest setting. Gold Beach is the departure point for Rogue River jet boat trips. Grassy Knob Wilderness protects old-growth Port Orford cedar.
🌲 Summit the Southern Oregon Coast
1,756-foot old-growth rainforest hike rising from the Pacific, year-round camping, and Oregon Coast Trail — the coast’s highest headland.
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