ecola state park

One of my favorite drives on the coast. It's well worth the extra time and the $5. to drive through this magnificent old growth forest and then gain access to 2 separate beaches. We usually go to Indian Beach. This time my kids hiked from Indian Beach to Ecola Beach, where I met them a few hours later and had a quick birthday celebration at one of the multiple, vacant picnic tables. There was no wind, there was not a cloud in the sky and it was February 21.

I really enjoyed our time here at the park...it was a grey and rainy day (BIG surprise in the Pacific Northwest, right?) but as you wind around through the park, its like being in a primordial forest. Great views from the top and overlooks. We enjoyed our time here so much we explored it three times. Just go...its worth it

We took friends out to Ecola State Park and the scenery is absolutely breath-taking! The short hike out to Indian Beach is well maintained, offering even more view vantage points. 2 large parking areas make both the view-point/picnic area and beach very accessible. Gets busy on weekends and summer, but what a PERFECT spot to enjoy the dramatic Oregon Coast on a weekday or off-season! I think the may become a favorite stop along the coast!

We visited on a sunny afternoon, with about eight large elk munching on the grass right by the parking lot. Beautiful views from the main areas around the picnic tables. Note that the old whale viewing spot on the point is closed due to damage. We took the trail to Indian Beach and walked around there for an hour or so as well. Nice views on the way and many Sitka spruce along the trail. Great place to visit when in C.B.

I've been to Cannon Beach several times but this the first time I visited Ecola State Park. Do add it to your things to do. There is a windy, narrow road to get to the view point. Definitely worth the short drive. There are picnic tables; beautiful area.

Spectacular setting among the moss-covered trees with eye-dropping views of the Oregon Coast. Nice trails to a secluded beach favored by surfers.

The sculpting effect of wind and water is very visible throughout Ecola State Park. The skeletons of cypress trees, silvered by decades of salt air, loom through the morning fog like giant ghosts. The effect of the pounding surf on the offshore rocks has made sea caves and sea stacks. It is a truly remarkable place, sun, fog, rain or whatever. It is a difficult place for the mobility-impaired, and families with very small children, but a very special place nonetheless. The gate fee receipt will allow you entrance to all the state parks along the coast on the day of issue( Ft. Stevens, Oswald West, Cape Meares, Cape Kiwanda, etc.)

We are always tempted to visit beaches on sunny days but it was always cloudy when we were in the area for three days. So, we went in spite of the weather, for hiking the area, not for the beach per se.And it was gorgeous; so much atmosphere.

Spectacular- this was one of our favorite places to visit along the Oregon Coast! We enjoyed just sitting and soaking in the breathtaking views of the coast looking towards Haystack Rock and all the smaller rocks along the Pacific Coast. WOW! Such stunning beauty, you just have to see it for yourself (and bring your camera!) !! We're also big Goonies fans so it was pretty cool to recognize the views from the movie;) Tidepooling in the park is incredible- thousands of brightly colored starfish, anemones, barnacles, crabs.ect. So much to explore- be sure to go at low tide to get the most out of your visit!

Did the 2.5 mile Clatsop loop hike.The first half of the hike is rather steep but do-able. Great ocean overlooks/ forest views. Stopped at a view point near the half way point (Hiker's camp) and saw Whales off shore. The light house called Terrible Tilly is a privately owned mausoleum. Make sure to pick up a map to learn a little history. It costs $5 to enter the park it's well worth it. Just a heads up the rest room facilities don't have soap (seems common in OR for some reason). I was also stoked about the tide pools but they were largely uninhabitated (Most likely due to the time of year- Feburary.)

We were staying by Portland and made the drive to see the coast. We don't regret a thing. The views were amazing. We had a great time looking at the overlook views and then driving down to the beach. Going to the park was definitely the best part of our trip.

My family visited here as part of our Day trip to Cannon Beach. It was one of my favorite places along the Oregon Coast and my children described the tree filled paths as a "fairy forest". The scenery is unbelievable and it was fun for my kids to follow the paths to get different views of the ocean. We even saw a pack of deer hanging out by the grassy area near the parking lot. Definitely worth a visit if you are touring the coast!

Secluded place that seems to attract families and dog owners. Great place to watch the winter waves.

Take the short hike inside, it's a very nice place to visit. So peaceful with trees all over. It's a very calming. You can hear the birds sing. I would recommend this place for visitors. If you enjoy nature and tranquility, this is the place.

We love the unmanicured, rugged, wild beauty of Ecola State Park and almost always stop there when we're in Cannon Beach. Last weekend we were there again, planning to walk/hike the trail between the main parking lot and Indian Beach, but we encountered a few changes since our last visit.The first was that the trail along the hillside to the viewing platform overlooking the arch rock is closed due to erosion. The sign posted there says it's permanent. Bummer! You can still see the arch rock from other parts of the park, but it won't be as up close, and you may have to walk a bit farther.Since it had rained a lot recently, we expected the trail to Indian Beach to be sloppy and slippery in spots, and it was. But we didn't think we'd encounter sections where the trail was washed out. Got past a few of them, but came to one about a mile in where a section of the hillside trail had washed out into a ravine. Probably could have gotten past that one too, but not without getting wet and muddy....errrr, make that wetter and muddier. I'm sure(?) the trail will be repaired, but it's not an easy fix, so I doubt it'll happen until late spring or summer.Even with the trail closures/washouts, Ecola State Park is still worth a visit, and I'd normally rate it as "excellent", but this is more an informational review, hence the "average" rating.