Ecola State Park

Quick Facts

Ecola State Park

Oregon

(800) 551-6949

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

One of Ecola State Park's first attractions was a beached whale. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and twelve members of the Corps of Discovery climbed over rocky headlands and fought their way through thick shrubs and trees to get to the whale in what is now Ecola State Park. Today, a paved road from Cannon Beach makes your trek to the park much easier. Winding your way through towering Sitka spruce, you suddenly emerge upon a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to have your camera ready. Ecola State Park offers year-round recreation for all types of modern day explorers. Stop for a picnic to feed your hungry adventurers before taking to the many miles of trails. At Indian Beach you can begin your own expedition on The Clatsop Loop Trail [1.4 MB Acrobat file], a new interpretive trail you that gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of Capt. Clark and his men. There's more to the park than this rich history. Surfers ride the waves at Indian Beach and tide pools await your discovery. Keep a watchful eye open for the many species of wildlife and birds that call Ecola home. Spot migrating gray whales during winter and spring. And after a long day of exploration, stop for an overnight rest on Tillamook Head in the park's new primitive cabins, (cabins are small and very primitive) a 1.5 mile hike from the Indian Beach trailhead.

Map of Ecola (OR)

Latitude, Longitude: 45.930071, -123.977254

Fishing
Ecola State Park offers two sandy beaches --Crescent Beach and Indian Beach--to choose to cast your pole from.
Hiking
There are multiple hiking trails within the park. The Clatsop Loop Trail follows what is now a road ascending from its Indian Creek trailhead to a hikers' camp. The hikers' camp at the summit of the Clatsop Loop Trail is primitive in nature, but it does have three small, adirondack-style shelters. Each of these rustic structures sleeps four on bunk bed-style wooden platforms. They circle a large fire ring and a central picnic shelter. A vault toilet is nearby, but the camp has no water. Vehicle parking is allowed in the Indian Beach turnaround, only. Call 1-800-551-6949 for more information. See the trail map for more information.
Historic Sites
Ecola State Park is a part of the new Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which includes federal and state parks associated with the history of the Corps of Discovery expedition in both Oregon and Washington. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and twelve members of the Corps of Discovery climbed over rocky headlands and fought their way through thick shrubs and trees to get to the whale in what is now Ecola State Park.
Picnicking
Stop for a picnic to feed your hungry adventurers before taking to the many miles of trails.
Water Sports
Surfers ride the waves at Indian Beach and tide pools await your discovery.