Indian Beach Day-Use Area — Attraction in Seaside

It's a long, windy, and narrow road into the day use area, but it's definitely worth it. The coastline is beautiful. The parking was busy when we arrived, and there was a sign saying it was full when there were actually maybe 10 spaces still available, so your mileage may vary.

The Clatsop trail is a hike up to a viewpoint and an old WW2 bunker. The hike involves a lot of uphill, the view at the top was limited, and the bunker is derelict. However, I really enjoyed the hike. It was beautiful and peaceful, with occasional glimpses of the coast and cliffs.

Despite a very busy parking lot, most people were headed to the beach, so the trails weren't over busy.

There were plenty of people on the trails with dogs, so I assume they're allowed.

There were restrooms at the bottom and top of the trail, but they are basic hole-in-the-ground types with no running water.

I didn't see any play areas for kids, and the steepness of the trails might be a struggle for younger kids.

There were picnic benches at the bottom of the trail and a larger picnic area at the top of the...

Ecola State Park: Indian Beach Day-Use Area: Clatsop Loop Trail and Trail to Tlillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint. We recommend to hike clockwise: First, take the quite narrow, steep, muddy, and slippery uphill trail. Walk slowly and enjoy the views of the coastline (marker 14 to 10). It is not recommended for dogs. Second, walk to the tiny lighthouse viewpoint. Third, take a rest at the Hiker’s Camp. Fourth, there is an easy but steep downhill gravel-supported service road (marker 11 to 1) to complete the loop. You may spend 80 minutes uphill including about 6 viewpoint stops along the trail, the lighthouse forth and back trail, and taking a rest. You may not need more than 40 minutes downhill. By the way, the markers do not tell more than the number. Please stay on the trail and obey rules and regulations. Make it possible to return and see the natural beauty again...

The speed limit on the road to the day use area goes from 20 mph to 15 mph as you ascend. You will first approach a large set of overflow parking, pass those and see if there is any parking closer to the beach entrance. Oregon plates pay $10.00 per vehicle and out-of-state vehicles pay $12.00 and it is credit card only. There are two outhouses by the beach entrance/start of trail. The steps going down to the beach are very large steps and the beach that you approach is very rocky before you approach sand. There are two creeks, Canyon Creek and Indian Creek and my toddler loved play...