Crescent Beach — Attraction in Seaside

Crescent Beach: Ecola's Hidden Gem, Where the Journey is Half the Magic Crescent Beach isn't your drive-up, flip-flop-friendly kind of beach. It's a secret whispered by the wind through the Sitka spruce of Ecola State Park, a reward earned through a descent that feels like stepping back in time. This isn't where you'll find crowds or concessions; it's where you'll find solitude, discovery, and the raw, untamed essence of the Oregon Coast. My first trip to Crescent Beach was spurred by curiosity from the Ecola viewpoints. "That pristine crescent of sand," I thought, "how do you get there?" The answer, as it turns out, is to commit to the winding, sometimes steep, trail that plunges through the lush, emerald forest from the Ecola parking lot. The path itself is an experience, a tunnel of ferns and moss-draped branches, often slick with recent rain, where the air grows cooler and the roar of the ocean becomes a steady, guiding crescendo. What makes Crescent Beach truly unique is this inaccessibility – it's a pedestrian-only paradise. When you finally emerge from the woods onto the vast expanse of sand, it feels like you've stumbled upon a private world. The towering cliffs of Ecola loom majestically to one side, while the endless Pacific stretches out before you, often with only a handful of other adventurers sharing its quiet grandeur. The sense of peace is profound, broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves and the occasional cry of a gull. This isn't a beach for building elaborate sandcastles (though smaller ones certainly appear). It's a beach for exploration. At low tide, the receding waters reveal fascinating tide pools teeming with anemones, starfish, and scuttling crabs. The massive driftwood logs, smoothed and bleached by countless storms, become natural benches for contemplation or adventurous climbing structures for kids. The sheer scale of the beach, framed by its dramatic headlands, makes you feel wonderfully small in the face of nature's immensity. Crescent Beach is a place where you can truly disconnect. There's no cell service, no distractions beyond the primal beauty surrounding you. It’s perfect for long walks, quiet reflection, or simply sitting and watching the relentless Pacific reshape the shore. The hike back up, though a lung-burner, feels like a slow re-entry into the modern world, giving you ample time to savor the memories of the secluded haven you just left. So, if you're seeking a beach experience that rewards effort with unparalleled serenity, where the journey is an integral part of the destination, and where the raw beauty of the Oregon Coast reveals itself in stunning solitude, then lace up your boots and make the pilgrimage to Crescent Beach. It's Ecola's hidden heart, and a truly unforgettable encounter with the...

If you are thinking of going to cannon beach, then consider this beach even more for a more remote, quiet, and scenic area! This was absolutely worth the 40 min hike. It was so peaceful and quiet at this beach! We couldn't even find parking for 40 mins at cannon beach so to immediately find parking here and be able to enjoy the peace was great! There were jellyfish, clams, and plenty of starfish! It was the exact same thing as cannon but just better!

Definitely stick to the trail, have a bottle or water and maybe even pack some food! We did the hike in hiking boots but saw plenty of people with regular tennis shoes. Can't recommend...

We hiked from Ecola State Park. Trail is rough in some places but thought it was worth the hike to get there. Round trip hike took us about an hour and 40 min. All Trails has it tagged as moderate difficulty. Go when it’s low tide so you can find the sea anemones and star fish. When you get to the beach from the trail, turn left and walk towards two large haystacks. You will find most of the star fish on the right haystack. Beautiful beach and mostly empty. We went early around 8 am and we were alone till about 9:30. It can get cold in...