Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a scenic coastal park on a forested headland just north of Cannon Beach, known for dramatic ocean views, sea stacks, and access to stretches of the Oregon coast that feel wild and open. Visitors come for hiking, tidepooling, beach access, and viewpoints overlooking the Pacific, with trails that wind through spruce and Sitka forest before opening onto cliffs and beaches. It’s a great stop if you want classic Oregon coast scenery in a compact area that can be enjoyed in a short visit or a longer walk.

History

Ecola State Park was established in the 1930s and is part of Oregon’s state park system. The park’s name comes from the shipwrecked whale-watching expedition of Lewis and Clark, who referred to the area as a place where they could see a whale carcass and used a Chinook trade term often rendered as "Ecola" or "Ikoli."

Expert notes

• Expect cool, windy coastal conditions even on mild days; bring layers and sturdy shoes.
• Check tide conditions before planning beach or tidepool time.
• Parking and access can be busy in peak season and on clear weekends.