Between Seaside and Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, Ecola State Park is one of the most beautiful places for an invigorating hike! You’ll encounter stunning panoramic water views, lush coastal forests, and historic landmarks. It’s the perfect destination this summer for outdoor recreation, exploring the hiking trails and the nine-mile stretch of golden sandy coastline.
Ecola State Park offers several hiking trails, ranging from mellow strolls to more challenging hikes. The most popular trail is the Clatsop Loop Trail, an easy-to-moderate hike that offers fantastic views of the ocean, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and, during the right season, migrating gray whales. For a more challenging hike, the Tillamook Head Traverse is a six-mile hike through dense coastal forest, offering spectacular vistas along the way.
This is just one of the fantastic nature areas for hiking on the Oregon Coast, and first, you’ll want to choose where to make your home away from home. Our Oregon Coast bed and breakfast is one of the most elegant lodging options, known as the “Castle by the Coast,” you’ll feel swept away by the thoughtfully designed guest rooms, cozy shared spaces, and sweeping property by the sea. Book your summer lodging today!
Best Hiking at Ecola State Park & More Oregon State Parks
As a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the area around Cannon Beach is dotted with state parks and nature preserves, each with unique ecosystems and picturesque trails. From the whispering pines along rocky cliffs to expansive sandy beaches that stretch toward the horizon, these trails offer an immersive experience of Oregon’s beautiful landscape. Ecola State Park is just one of the options for great hiking trails on the coast!
Here are the top five places to hike on the Oregon Coast near our bed and breakfast:
- Ecola State Park: Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along nine miles of coastline and offers a range of trails that cater to all fitness levels. The Clatsop Loop Trail is a favorite for its historical significance and stunning ocean views, including a vantage point overlooking the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. More adventurous hikers might tackle the challenging Tillamook Head Traverse, which rewards with dramatic overlooks of the rugged coastline.
- Oswald West State Park: Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along nine miles of coastline and offers a range of trails that cater to all fitness levels. The Clatsop Loop Trail is a favorite for its historical significance and stunning ocean views, including a vantage point overlooking the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. More adventurous hikers might tackle the challenging Tillamook Head Traverse, which rewards with dramatic overlooks of the rugged coastline.
- Hug Point State Recreation Area: Just a five-minute drive south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point offers easy access to scenic coastal hikes where the forest meets the sea. The park’s main attraction is the trail leading down to the beach where, at low tide, you can explore sea caves, a waterfall, and the remnants of a historic stagecoach road that once hugged the cliffside.
- Nehalem Bay State Park: A bit farther south, Nehalem Bay State Park features a calm, more subdued landscape compared to the dramatic vistas of other coastal parks. The park’s 1.8-mile Loop Trail winds around a scenic peninsula with views of both the bay and the ocean, and it’s an excellent spot for bird-watching and deer sightings.
- Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail: For those starting their journey at Ecola State Park, the Tillamook Head Traverse Hike offers an extensive trek through dense coastal rainforest to Tillamook Head. This trail encapsulates the adventurous spirit of the Oregon Coast with its challenging climbs and the reward of exceptional ocean views, historical sites, and secluded resting spots along the way.
Stay at our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast this Summer
Ecola State Park is just a quick drive from our Oregon Coast bed and breakfast in the quiet nook of Arch Cape, OR. You’ll be in the ideal location to explore all of the best things to do in Cannon Beach and beyond but set back for the most peaceful evenings with a quiet, relaxing space all to yourself. Our spacious Inn has only nine guest rooms, creating the perfect destination for romantic getaways and retreats.
You’ll wake up to stunning views of our garden grounds and the waves of the ocean off in the distance. All of our guests are treated to a beautiful breakfast service. Always starting with freshly brewed coffee from local roasters Sleepy Monk, followed by a chef-driven menu with local, organic ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy your meal in our elegant dining room or outside in the crisp, coastal sunshine.
One of our most romantic rooms, pictured above, is the Tower Room. This light and bright top-floor room has a spectacular ocean view from the ring of windows in the tower sitting area. The highly detailed queen-size bed is carved wood in the Louis XIV style. It is paired with a French armoire of rich fruitwood. The deep oval soaking tub is tucked away in an alcove. Start planning for summer, and book your room today!
