Day 2: Ecola State Park, Oregon

Views from Ecola State Park

After spending the night in charming Astoria, I was so excited to hit the road and sink my toes into the sand bordering the Pacific Ocean.  Remember, New England Native living in Utah, missing the ocean something fierce.  Our next stop after Astoria was to stop at Ecola State Park for some amazing views down the coastline and of Cannon Beach. We drove the 45 minutes from Astoria to Ecola State Park via Route 101, our first journey down the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.  A park I had never heard of until some thorough "OR ROAD TRIP RESEARCH", but man am I glad I stopped at Ecola. 

Walkway at Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park spans 9 miles of coastline in Northern, Oregon, wrapping around Tillamook Head between Seaside Beach and Cannon Beach. The State Park is located about 2 miles off the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, making it an easy stop with amazing views if you are heading down the Oregon Coast.  It is 5$ per vehicle to enter the park and dogs are allowed on leash.  To access the coastline, you first drive through a beautiful Sitka Spruce Forest before hitting the grassy bluff and parking area overlooking the coastline. You can find a map and park brochure here.  Here at Ecola, you will find walking paths, benches, picnic tables, garbage and recycling cans, and restrooms. And from this viewpoint in the park, you get one of the most iconic and beautiful views of the Oregon Coast. 

Views from Ecola State Park

We arrived at Ecola State Park at about 9 am, with two hot coffees, an excited dog, and some serious anticipation of the Oregon coastline.  The views from Ecola State Park pretty much summed up everything I had imagined about the Oregon coast.  Layers of mountains and hillsides, sandy beaches, large rock formations (sea stacks), and of course in true Oregon fashion, some dense clouds and fog. 

Ecola State Park

There was a bench overlooking the coastline from the walkway leaving the parking area.  Unfortunately this area was closed off due to erosion, so we continued down the path a way to take some pictures, finish our coffee, and enjoy the view. This was going to be one of the best views of my entire trip, and I wish I could have spent the entire day exploring the trails and taking in this view. 

Looking down the coastline from Ecola State Park

While sightseeing and photographing are the main attractions, there are some great hiking options in the park.  The parks trails include an 8 mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail (425 miles total) and the Lewis and Clark national Historic Trail, as well as a 2.5 mile "historical interpretive route", the Clatsop Loop Trail.  Clark had once trecked through the area that is now Ecola State Park in search of a whale carcass that was located on present day Cannon Beach. 

Cove at Ecola State Park

We followed a short wooded trail that lead to a beautiful secluded cove.  We spent a little bit of time sitting in this secluded cove, snapping pictures while Olive posed.  Keep yours eyes open as during the winter and spring, you may catch a sight of migrating Grey Whales. 

Cove at Ecola State Park

Indian Beach

After our short walk to the cove, we got back in the car and drove to the parking area for Indian beach.  This beach is a popular spot for surfers, and crazy black houndradors that like to scamper in the sand.  There was another dog off leash so we decided to let her off for a little bit to play on the beach with the other dog. Here on the beach, we played in the sand, and enjoyed the views down the coast. 

walkway to Indian Beach

walkway to Indian Beach

Indian Beach

After a little while in this beautiful park, we were back in the car and on our way to get a little closer to some of the views we were seeing, especially Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.

Indian Beach