Wrapping around Tillamook Head, between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers outstanding sightseeing and recreation opportunities combined with a storied past. Though the scenic and hiking opportunities may be the main allure, the diversity of outdoor recreation including picnicking, tidepooling, surfing, and wildlife observation make Ecola State park a destination year-round.
Sightseeing opportunities begin the moment you enter the park. The entrance road meanders through a lush Sitka spruce forest, eventually opening up to a grassy bluff offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. You may recognize the viewpoint south, a scene from many published photographs. Sea stacks punctuate the long sweep of shoreline south, backed by the town of Cannon Beach and ridge of coastal mountains above.
Stop for a picnic before taking to the many miles of trails. Visit Indian Beach, a secluded sandy beach, popular with surfers and beachgoers, offering tide pools and scenic splendor. Keep a watchful eye open for the park’s wildlife, such as deer, elk, or eagles soaring overhead. You may even spot migrating gray whales throughout winter and spring.
Address: Off Highway 101, 3 Miles North of Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110
Coordinates: 45.9195° N, 123.9736° W
Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=136
