Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park stretches across forested cliffs just north of Cannon Beach, offering panoramic views of the Pacific and direct sightlines to Haystack Rock and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The park’s layout moves between dense Sitka spruce, windswept headlands, and beach-access trails that lead down to secluded stretches like Indian Beach. A network of trails covers much of the terrain, ranging from short, accessible walks to longer forest hikes. The main 7-mile trail connects several viewpoints and coastal overlooks, with sections cutting through old-growth forest and out toward bluff edges. Wildlife sightings are common, including seals offshore and birds along the cliffs. Indian Beach, reachable by car or trail, offers a wide, rocky cove for tidepooling, surfing, and photography. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, many positioned near viewpoints or tucked into wind-protected forest clearings. Some trails are paved or partially maintained, while others can be obstructed by roots, brush, or fallen trees. The park's coastal exposure means weather can shift quickly—cold wind and fog are common even in summer. Parking is available near the entrance and along the road toward Indian Beach. Ecola stays busiest on weekends, with weekday visits offering more quiet access to its trail system and lookouts. The park remains one of the more accessible ways to experience Oregon’s coastal cliffs, headlands, and old-growth terrain without venturing far off Highway 101.