Ecola State Park — Attraction in Seaside

Ecola State Park: Where the Postcard Comes to Life (and Then Some) Ecola State Park isn't just a viewpoint; it's a living, breathing postcard of the Oregon Coast, so impossibly scenic it feels like a dream. But unlike a static image, Ecola offers a multi-sensory immersion into the wild, dramatic beauty that defines this stretch of shoreline. My first encounter with Ecola was at the main viewpoint, and it genuinely stopped me in my tracks. From this elevated perch, the iconic Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach stands sentinel in the distance, a miniature masterpiece framed by rugged headlands. To the north, Crescent Beach stretches out, a pristine curve of sand accessible only by foot, inviting whispers of hidden adventures. The sheer scale and depth of the vista are breathtaking, a testament to the powerful forces of ocean and time. What makes Ecola truly unique, however, isn't just that one famous view. It's the myriad ways you can experience its grandeur. You can hike through ancient Sitka spruce forests, their branches dripping with moss, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and salt spray. These trails, some well-maintained, others more rugged, offer tantalizing glimpses of the ocean through the trees, a constant reminder of the wild edge you're exploring. The light filtering through the dense canopy creates an almost magical, otherworldly atmosphere, especially on a misty morning. Then there are the secret coves and dramatic overlooks that dot the winding road through the park. Each pullout seems to reveal a new, equally stunning perspective: crashing waves against basalt columns, sea stacks rising majestically from the churning water, and the constant, mesmerizing ballet of seabirds riding the updrafts. You might spot a brave kayaker paddling near the base of a towering sea stack, or catch a glimpse of a deer foraging in the undergrowth. Ecola also offers a unique sense of raw, untamed power. The wind here can be a formidable presence, whipping off the ocean with exhilarating force, reminding you just how close you are to the elements. Even on a sunny day, there's a wildness to the air, a constant reminder that this landscape is shaped by the relentless Pacific. This isn't a place for quick snapshots; it's a place to linger, to breathe deeply, to let the immense beauty wash over you. Whether you're a photographer chasing the perfect light, a hiker seeking a challenging coastal trek, or simply someone yearning to witness nature at its most awe-inspiring, Ecola State Park delivers an unforgettable experience. It's where the iconic images of the Oregon Coast come alive, demanding to be seen, felt, and truly absorbed into your soul. Just be prepared to have your breath taken away,...

Beautiful area. I came here to hike the tillamook head trail, which is located at the indian beach parking area and not the view point parking area. I started at the viewpoint parking area. The restrooms there are flushing toilets and gorgeous views, it was almost 6am when I got there a couple weeks ago. The trail I took to the right of the parking area is fairly easy till you get to the eroded area leading down to the beach. It is still manageable, but use caution. I would not recommend this trail for young children. I was look for the tillamook head trail so I did not go all the way down to the beach. There is also a falls hike from the viewpoint parking area I did not do.

Indian beach parking area has pit toilets and beach access via stairs. No wheelchair access to the beach. Picnic areas at both parking areas and a lot of parking. I did the clatsop trail going up along the creek, to the loop turn off because I wanted to see the lighthouse but it was too foggy that day to see from the mountain. Then I went back to the hikers camp which is pretty cool looking area to camp, there is even a pit toilet at the hikers camp. I went straight on the trail past the hikers camp and saw the old military bunker ruins and another viewpoint. Then went on the tillamook trail which drizzled/sprinkled the majority of time I was on the trail. It was very muddy and big obsticals to maneuver on this trail. I was pretty close to the tillamook end when there was this really steep part that looked slippery as well that I was not comfortable climbing down alone so I turned around.

The beach is beautiful by the time I got back to the parking area the lot had filled up and it was bustling. It was 12pm. I checked out the beach before I left and it is a must see.

If you get to the park early you can use the fee pay station on the side of the ranger shack. The road up is narrow so try not going very fast when its busy. When I left the park there was a line of 15 to 20 cars waiting to...

Previous reviews of this park were lacking in detail about the hikes so for you detail lovers here ya go: I parked at the Ecola State Park lot (not the Indian Beach lot). Parking is $5, card only, paid at the kiosk near the restrooms. These restrooms are pretty decent. There are several spectacular viewpoints from this park and half dozen or so picnic tables. there are two trailheads from this parking lot: Crescent Beach, trailhead by the restrooms, labeled "experienced hikers only". The other one is the Indian Beach trail, which starts near the far end of the parking lot. The sign says the hike is two miles. A ranger later told me it's actually three miles. This hike is moderate, strenuous in places. It rained earlier in the week so there were multiple patches of thick, sticky mud. There were also a few downed trees to go over/under. Definitely not a stroll in the woods in your cute sandals kind of hike. the trail is not signposted but it's very easy to follow and is shaded most of the way. There are awesome views at the start of the hike. Like a dummy I didn't realize the trail wasn't just named Indian Beach trail, it actually leads to Indian Beach and I had to get back to the other lot where I left my car & started my hike. The ranger said it was 1.5 miles along the road so I went back that way thinking it would be better than hiking beck the way I came. 0/10 do not recommend walking back along the road. So if you do the Indian Beach Trail hike plan on it being a round trip. Bring plenty of water with you and avoid the no-flush toilets at the beach -...