Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is located on the northwestern coast of the state of Oregon, between Seaside and Cannon Beach. The park stretches 9 miles along the coastline. The region was the site of the Corps of Discovery’s 1806 trek that led to a beached whale. Trails throughout the park offer views of the rugged coastline, Haystack Rock and the Needles, sharp rocks jutting out of the water. The park is part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. There are 3 named mountains in Ecola State Park. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Clark's Mountain at 1,168 feet.

Within the park lies Bald Point Site, an archeological site that dates back to 1550 CE. The site includes a shell midden associated with the Tillamook people who are natives to the land. The site has been used to uncover information about the park’s history, emergence of patterns among coastal populations, and various other topics. The park is known for being the filming location for the American films “The Goonies” and several scenes from “Twilight”.

Major Hikes and Attractions

Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail

This trail is part of the greater Oregon Coast Trail. The Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail is an out and back trail starting in Seaside. The route totals 12.2-miles with 3,005 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs through the dense forest with multiple viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean below.

Clatsop Loop Trail

This 2.8-mile loop has 784 feet of elevation gain and is perhaps the most popular hike in the entire park. The trail starts from Indian Beach at the south end of the park before climbing along the rugged coastline. Lookouts along the trail show the crashing ocean below, and lighthouse in the distance.

Crescent Beach Trail

Located on the south end of Ecola State Park, this 2-mile hike has just under 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows the coastline but is one of the few in the park with access to a beach. Continue climbing through the park or stop at the beach for quick swim or picnic.

Major Cities

Cannon Beach and Seaside

These two coastal cities sit on either end of Ecola State Park with Seaside to the north and Cannon Beach to the south. Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that juts out of the Pacific Ocean. Back in 2013, National Geographic named Cannon Beach one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places. Both cities are tourist resort destinations due to the close proximity to Portland; full of local shops, restaurants, cafes and art studios. The cities, along with Ecola State Park are located 80 minutes northwest of Portland.

Portland

The Simcoe Mountains are located just 1:45 minutes northeast of Portland, OR. With a population of over 600,000 people, Portland is the largest city within the state of Oregon. Known for its vast food scene, many people often forget that Portland is also a hiker’s paradise. The city is home to Forest Park, 5,200 acres of trails within the city, it is just two hours away from both Mount Adams and Mount Hood, and an hour from Tillamook National Forest.