Just a few minutes north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the Oregon Coast from a completely different perspective. Perched high above the Pacific, the park stretches along nearly nine miles of rugged coast-line, with dramatic viewpoints, forested hiking trails, and secluded beaches waiting to be explored. One of the park’s highlights is its network of scenic trails that wind through towering Sitka spruce and hemlock forests. Portions of the historic Clatsop Loop Trail follow the route taken by members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806 as they traveled along this coastline in search of a beached whale. Today, hikers can follow these paths to sweeping overlooks that reveal stunning views of the coast-line, offshore sea stacks, and miles of surf rolling toward shore.
Indian Beach, tucked within the park, is a favorite spot for surfers, tidepool explorers, and visitors seeking a quieter stretch of sand. Whether hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the fresh ocean air, Ecola State Park provides a memorable coastal adventure just beyond Cannon Beach.
503-436-2844, www.oregonstateparks.org/ecola-state-park
