Ecola State Park Oregon USA, home of the beautiful Indian Beach, is a state park near Cannon Beach Oregon. Ecola State Park is a rugged section of the Oregon Coast with impressive viewpoints, immersive hikes, and a welcoming beach.
Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a fun and worthwhile area to explore, whether a day trip from Portland or part of a larger visit to the Oregon Coast.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Ecola State Park Oregon Coast, including viewpoints, hikes, beaches, and other planning tips.
We love visiting Ecola and are excited to share our local tips with you. So pack your beach towel and sense of adventure and let’s explore Ecola State Park Oregon.
Ecola State Park Cannon Beach Oregon: Overview
Ecola State Park Oregon (often shortened to Ecola Oregon, Ecola Park Oregon, or Ecola point Oregon) is a protected and undeveloped natural area directly north of Cannon Beach Oregon, a popular vacation town on the Oregon Coast.
Drawn by the expansive vistas, engaging Ecola State Park hiking, and excellent Indian Beach, visitors to Ecola State Park Cannon Beach are sure to come away with a memorable experience.
Whether you pop in for a quick view at the main viewpoint area, explore the Ecola State Park trails, set up camp for the day at the beach, or catch some waves, Ecola State Park is a great way to spend anywhere from 15 minutes to the entire day.
Ecola State Park Oregon Map
Use the interactive map below to get your bearings for Ecola Oregon. You can also expand it to view in a full window.
Our Tips for Ecola State Park
- Expect to pay a day use fee to enter the park
- Stop at the viewpoint (turn left as you enter the park) and you will not regret it
- Beware of windy narrow roads (after the main viewpoint) to access Indian Beach
- The Indian Beach parking lot rarely fills up, even on busy weekends
- There are restrooms at the parking lot
- Summer is the best time to visit Ecola State Park, though it is open year round
Ecola State Park Viewpoint: Ecola Point Oregon
One of the main draws of Ecola State Park is the main viewpoint, which is as beautiful as it is accessible. In fact, you don’t even need to get out of your car to enjoy it.
This viewpoint is a great way to experience a beautiful section of the Oregon Coast without needing to hike anything!
In our opinion, if you visit Ecola State Park, the main viewpoint is a must-see. It is at the entrance to the park (turn left when entering) and totally worth the stop.
Ecola State Park Hiking
A main draw of Ecola is the Ecola State Park trails, which allow hikers the opportunity to explore this beautiful undeveloped area of the Oregon Coast. In this section, we’ll cover the best hikes Ecola State Park has to offer.
Ecola State Park Trail Map
This map shows the hikes in Ecola State Park.
You can also view the source Ecola State Park Trail Map pdf directly.
Ecola State Park Trails
There are several trails in Ecola State Park. Each one has something unique to offer.
| Trail | Description |
| Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail | 14 miles out and back. Follows the coastline through the entire park. Can park at the north or south end of the park. |
| Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach | 2.5 mile loop. Goes north from Indian Beach. Mostly forested with great viewpoints along the way. |
| Indian Beach Trail Oregon | 4 miles out and back. Connects Indian Beach with the main viewing area. |
| Crescent Beach Trail | 2.3 miles out and back Explore the lesser traveled Crescent Beach. Starts at the main viewpoint area. |
Ecola Beach Oregon: Indian Beach Cannon Beach
The day-use beach at Ecola State park is called Indian Beach. You may also hear it called Indian Head Beach Oregon or Cannon Beach Indian Beach. Be aware: the road to access Indian Beach is windy and narrow, and not recommended for larger vehicles.
In fact, the road has been closed several times in the past few years because it keeps getting washed out. The road is paved except for a few troublesome gravel sections, but nothing to be worried about with a normal car.
Indian Beach Itself is worth the drive in, as it is fantastically pretty and fun to explore. The parking lot is quite close to the beach, and rarely fills up, even on summer weekends. There are pit toilets at the parking lot.
There is a small set of stairs from the parking lot to the beach, but nothing you can’t lug a cooler down. It is so fun to bring a blanket and set up a spot for the day at Indian Beach.
Planning a Visit to Ecola State Park
The Oregon Coast is often rainy and windy during the winter as well as much of spring and fall. However, the summer offers more decent weather, though fog, rain, and wind is still common.
The best time to visit Cannon Beach Ecola State Park is summer for most people. The weather is nice, the sand is warm, and overall the ambiance is quite pleasant, even if it is a cloudy day. In fact, the cooler temperatures are a respite from the heat of the summer in other parts of Oregon.
That said, don’t rule out winter. There are some nicer days without rain and you might even get some sun! Also, there are much less crowds during winter.
Ecola State Park Surfing
Surfing is a popular activity on the Oregon Coast, even if just the thought of that cold water makes you shiver. Many people (including ourselves) enjoy surfing in Oregon, and Ecola is one of our favorite places to surf in Oregon.
Protected from northern winds and swells, Ecola State Park has decent waves, similar to other areas on the Oregon Coast. Check the surf forecast for Ecola State park before you go. You can rent surf gear in Cannon Beach.
If you have never surfed, we urge you to try! It is truly so much fun and super rewarding, albeit challenging as well. We recommend you take lessons at one of several surf shops in Cannon Beach.
Where to stay to Visit Ecola State Park
There are many hotels and resorts to stay at in Cannon Beach, just minutes from Ecola State Park. Learn more in our full article about Cannon Beach State Park.
Alternatively, you can stay in Seaside, just north of Ecola State Park. Both Seaside and Cannon Beach are touristy beach towns, and fun to explore.
You can also get vacation home rentals in both Seaside and Cannon Beach, which can be a better option for larger groups and families.
Conclusion
Ecola State Park Oregon is worth a visit if you want to explore a rugged section of the Oregon Coast, gaze at the beautiful views of undeveloped coastline, explore fun Ecola State Park trails, surf the ocean waves, or just relax on Indian Beach. To learn more about Ecola Oregon, check out the state parks webpage.
Hopefully you found this guide to Ecola State Park helpful in planning your visit. We love Ecola State Park and the home you do as well. As always, leave no trace of your visit and help preserve this special place for future visitors.
You may be interested in learning more in our other articles about the Oregon Coast, including other great beaches near Portland. If you have time, consider visiting Oswald West State Park, just 15 minutes south of Ecola State Park.
