Hug Point State Recreation Site is a coastal park just south of Cannon Beach, accessible from Highway 101. A short drive from town leads to a small bluffside parking lot with public restrooms. A steep path and set of worn wooden stairs descend to the beach, which may be difficult for some visitors to navigate.
The beach is a curved cove framed by cliffs and tide-worn rock formations. At low tide, visitors can reach a seasonal waterfall that drops directly onto the sand. Just beyond are sea caves and wagon wheel ruts carved into the shoreline rock—remnants of the original coast road that predated Highway 101, when travelers once had to time their passage with the tides.
Tide pooling is possible along the rocky sections, with sea urchins, barnacles, and other marine life common near the cave openings. The cliffs and coastline make it a frequent spot for sunset photography, especially when low clouds or fog drift across the cove. A few forested picnic areas sit at the top of the bluff, offering space for meals or rest stops just above the beach.
Low tide is the best time to explore, as the cave access and waterfall path are otherwise blocked. Conditions can be slippery and visibility limited in the late afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to use road signs over GPS for accurate directions, as some apps mislabel the entrance.
The setting is scenic and secluded, with a mix of natural features that feel tucked into a quieter corner of the Oregon coast.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
