Oregon’s waterfalls and beaches are some of its most incredible natural wonders. What could be better than a hike that includes both? Check out this beautiful spot on the coast that offers stunning ocean views, sea caves, and a one of the best waterfalls in the state.
Hug Point State Park is located just a few miles south of Cannon Beach, in the northern portion of the Oregon coast. The park covers 42.5 beautiful acres, and it’s just begging to be explored.
Oregon State Parks
The state park offers day use access and has picnic tables and restrooms available. Park in the large lot; there’s no fee to visit!
CraftBeers/Tripadvisor
It’s a short, easy stroll down to the beach, and about a half-mile hike north to the waterfall and caves.
Oregon State Parks
Hug Point is only accessible during low tide, so check the tide charts before heading out.
Elle Berry/Alltrails
You’ll hike along a narrow path that hugs the cliffs, which is how Hug Point got its name. Before the highway was built, this trail was once used by stagecoaches, and you can still see the grooves in the rock left by their wheels.
half-Brit/Tripadvisor
As you come around the cliffs, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the pretty waterfall, as well as two sea caves cut into the rock.
Corbin Stokes/Alltrails
During the summer, the flow of the falls is just a trickle down the rocks; later in the year, you’ll find an impressive cascade of water flowing down onto the beach.
IIP Photo Archive/flickr
During low tide, this beach is just begging to be explored. You’ll also want to leave plenty of time to check out the sea caves that have been carved out by centuries of water.
iowawestfamily/Tripadvisor
Tide pools abound, offering up treasures that are hidden during high tides. You’ll find several kinds of sea anemones, sea urchins, hermit crabs, and even tiny fish in these pools.
Anna Bergerson/Alltrails
Take a look at the brightly-colored sea stars clinging to the sides of rocks, along with barnacles, mussels, and limpets exposed when the water recedes.
pacificwind/Tripadvisor
Keep a close eye on the tide during your visit. It’s easy to get distracted while exploring all the little gems along the beach.
Melissa Whitby/Alltrails
During high tide, this beach transforms into a very different place and if you’re not careful, you can become stranded. Just a few days ago, the Coast Guard rescued a hiker who hadn’t paid attention to the tide and became trapped on the cliff.
HoneyBrookMhh/Tripadvisor For more information about Hug Point State Park, check out the Oregon State Parks website.
Have you visited Hug Point? We’d love to hear about your adventure there!
Oregon State Parks
CraftBeers/Tripadvisor
Elle Berry/Alltrails
half-Brit/Tripadvisor
Corbin Stokes/Alltrails
IIP Photo Archive/flickr
iowawestfamily/Tripadvisor
Anna Bergerson/Alltrails
pacificwind/Tripadvisor
Melissa Whitby/Alltrails
HoneyBrookMhh/Tripadvisor
For more information about Hug Point State Park, check out the Oregon State Parks website.
If you love to explore Oregon and capture beautiful photos while you do it, then you definitely need to join our Oregon Nature Lovers Group on Facebook. We might even feature your photos in our newsletters and articles!
While you’re exploring the northern portion of the coast, you’ll definitely want to visit this brand new state park, which just opened on June 2, 2018!
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