Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a beautiful coastal state park located in Oregon, USA.
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Summary
This park is a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic views, sandy beaches, and unique geological features. Some great reasons to visit Cape Kiwanda include hiking, exploring tide pools, and taking in the stunning rock formations.
One of the most popular attractions in Cape Kiwanda is the sandstone pedestal known as "the dune." Visitors can climb up this steep dune for an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastline. Other points of interest include the natural sea cave known as "the Punchbowl," and the towering Haystack Rock.
Interesting facts about Cape Kiwanda include its designation as a state natural area in 1973, and its location on the Three Capes Scenic Route. The park also boasts a variety of wildlife, including sea birds, seals, and whales.
The best time of year to visit Cape Kiwanda is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the weather is typically sunny. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during this time. Spring and fall can also be great times to visit, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Overall, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Oregon. With its stunning natural beauty, unique geological features, and abundant wildlife, it's no wonder that this park is so popular among tourists and locals alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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