Neahkahnie Mountain, South Trailhead. OR Coast, Manzanita. The Oregon Coast Trail crosses Neahkahnie Mountain, so you can access the summit ridge viewpoint from the north or the south. This approach is easier and is the one preferred by families with small children.
Don’t be discouraged if the trail seems barricaded at the South Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead. The real trail starts a few feet to the right from the obvious blocked trail. Head up through an open area filled with a mix of grass and salal. The trail gradually climbs through several switchbacks. Look for flowers in the spring, including mallow and salal in the open areas. At the top of the meadow, the trail enters the forest. You’ll see coast fawn lilies and trilliums blooming beneath the large spruce trees.
After about a mile, you’ll cross a dirt access road. The road uphill to the left leads to a radio tower on the south summit. For this hike cross the road and continue on the single track trail. You’ll pass a bench and then you’ll come to an open area about a half mile from the road. If you wish to reach the true summit you can scramble up the rocks on your right. The view from here includes Neahkahnie Beach, Manzanita, the Nehalem Bay Mouth and the Pacific Ocean. Relax a while and the head back the way you came.
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/South_Neahkahnie_Mountain_Trailhead