Ecola State Park
Dramatic coastal park with iconic views of Haystack Rock, sea caves, and lush forests. A filming site for 'The Goonies'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Ecola State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal park with iconic views of Haystack Rock, sea caves, and lush forests. A filming site for 'The Goonies'.
"Beautiful park with incredible views and a must-visit spot if you're in the area."
🚗 Use Your Blinkers!
A park ranger advised visitors to use blinkers when turning. Be mindful of park staff instructions.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Visit during negative tides to discover sea caves and tide pools at Indian Beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ecola Point Viewpoint
Ecola State Park
Sweeping panoramic views of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. A must-see!
Indian Beach
Ecola State Park
A popular spot for surfing and exploring tide pools during negative tides. Offers a more secluded beach experience.
Crescent Beach Trail
Ecola State Park
A moderate 2.3-mile out-and-back hike leading to a beautiful, less crowded beach with towering sea stacks.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse View
Ecola State Park
Visible from various viewpoints, this historic lighthouse adds a dramatic, almost spooky, element to the coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Entry & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Use Your Blinkers!
A park ranger advised visitors to use blinkers when turning. Be mindful of park staff instructions.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Visit during negative tides to discover sea caves and tide pools at Indian Beach. +1
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and sometimes muddy. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for exploring. +1
📸 Iconic Photo Ops
Don't miss the views of Haystack Rock and Tillamook Lighthouse from Ecola Point. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Use Your Blinkers!
A park ranger advised visitors to use blinkers when turning. Be mindful of park staff instructions.
🌊 Check Tide Charts
Visit during negative tides to discover sea caves and tide pools at Indian Beach. +1
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and sometimes muddy. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for exploring. +1
📸 Iconic Photo Ops
Don't miss the views of Haystack Rock and Tillamook Lighthouse from Ecola Point. +1
💰 Day-Use Fee
Expect a $5 day-use fee. An Oregon State Parks Pass is also accepted.
🐶 Dogs on Leash
Dogs are allowed on leash, particularly on the Crescent Beach Trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ecola State Park for its breathtaking coastal views, particularly from Ecola Point, and the scenic drive through lush forests. Many highlight the park's beauty as a must-see on the Oregon Coast, with trails offering further exploration opportunities. Some reviewers noted a less-than-friendly interaction with a park ranger, but the overwhelming sentiment is positive regarding the park's natural splendor.
"Beautiful park with stunning views and the drive to the trails were lush with trees, ferns and thick with forest floor undercover. The trails are just as thick with trees and ferns. We're out of state and gladly paid the $12.00 to park. Since we're new to the area we weren't quite sure if we were turning on the correct road to enter. As we were turning slowly into the park we were met by a park ranger leaving and he motioned for us to roll our window down. He proceeded to tell us "that it would be nice if we used our blinker when we turned." It would've been "nice" if he chose to be "nice". Next time when we come to Oregon and visit your beautiful park we'll make sure we use our blinker since we will be familiar where to turn. Have a "nice" day!"
jim adams
"Beautiful park with incredible views. The drive into the park was really nice with the lush green and ocean views the entire way. I went after Cannon Beach and didn't have much time but the viewpoints and short trails to the water was worth the trip. I wish I had more time to explore the park, but the small part I saw was worth the trip."
Joe Desourdie
"A gorgeous view! The drive through the trees to get here is so lovely, too. A must visit spot if you're in the area. Very short drive out of Cannon Beach."
Alicia Glassmeyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ecola State Park is a very short drive north of Cannon Beach. Simply follow Highway 101 and look for the clearly marked entrance. Many visitors find it easy to locate using Google Maps.
Yes, there are parking areas available, including at Ecola Point and Indian Beach. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended to secure a spot.
While public transportation options are limited, some visitors may be able to arrange rideshares or taxis from nearby towns like Cannon Beach or Seaside. However, having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the park and its various viewpoints.
The park offers several viewpoints accessible by short walks from parking areas, as well as hiking trails. Using a park map or a navigation app can help you find specific locations like Ecola Point or Indian Beach.
While the main roads are generally accessible, larger RVs might find some parking areas challenging. It's advisable to check specific parking lot dimensions if you are traveling with a large vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a day-use fee, typically around $5 per vehicle, payable at a kiosk upon entry. An Oregon State Parks Pass is also accepted.
Ecola State Park is generally open daily from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Oregon State Parks website for any seasonal closures or updates before your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the park's entrance kiosk. There isn't usually an option to buy tickets in advance for day-use entry.
The day-use fee covers both park entry and parking. You pay once per vehicle for the day.
An Oregon State Parks Pass provides access to all state parks, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most famous viewpoint is Ecola Point, offering stunning vistas of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Indian Beach also provides beautiful coastal scenery and is a great spot for tide pooling. 
Popular hikes include the Crescent Beach Trail (2.3 miles out-and-back) and trails connecting Ecola Point to Indian Beach. Many trails offer forest and ocean views.
Yes, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is prominently visible from the Ecola Point viewpoint, offering an iconic perspective. +1
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, ocean views, and lush forests make it a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, Ecola State Park has designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a scenic lunch while enjoying the coastal views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly within Ecola State Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
The nearby towns of Cannon Beach and Seaside offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants. +1
Given its coastal location, fresh seafood is a popular choice. You'll also find classic American fare and local specialties in Cannon Beach and Seaside.
Yes, Ecola State Park is an excellent place for a picnic. There are designated picnic areas, and enjoying a meal with a view is highly recommended.
No, there are no cafes or coffee shops within the park itself. You'll need to visit the nearby towns for these amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Ecola Point offers iconic shots of Haystack Rock and the coastline. Indian Beach is great for capturing surfers and tide pool details. The forest trails also provide beautiful, moody shots.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for stunning coastal photography. Midday can be bright, but the lush greenery and ocean spray still provide great opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing wildlife or distant sea stacks. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the ocean.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so check with park authorities if you plan professional shoots.
Yes, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is visible from several viewpoints within Ecola State Park, adding a unique element to your photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean. Explore Indian Beach during negative tides to photograph unique sea caves and marine life. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
For a longer trek, consider the trails connecting Ecola Point and Indian Beach, offering a deeper immersion into the coastal forest. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Ecola State Park
This trail is known for its lush greenery and the rewarding views upon reaching the shore. For those seeking a more connected experience between viewpoints, trails link Ecola Point and Indian Beach, allowing for longer hikes through the dense, fern-filled woods. +1Indian Beach itself is not only a destination but also a trailhead for further exploration. It's a well-known spot for surfers and offers access to tide pools during negative tide events, revealing a hidden world of marine life.
Remember to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes, as the trails can be steep and muddy, especially after rain. When planning your hikes, consider the negative tide days as they unlock unique opportunities to explore the sea caves and rocky shorelines that are otherwise submerged.
Iconic Views and Filming Locations
+1 The dramatic cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon create a truly unforgettable scene, making it a prime location for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty. +1Beyond its natural splendor, Ecola State Park holds a special place in pop culture as a filming location for the beloved 1980s movie, 'The Goonies'.
+1 The park's rugged coastline and distinctive rock formations provided the backdrop for several memorable scenes, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and adventure for fans visiting the area. For those who are also fans of the 'Twilight' saga, parts of the Oregon Coast, including areas near Ecola State Park, were used to represent La Push Beach. Whether you're drawn by the stunning natural landscapes, the chance to spot wildlife, or the allure of famous movie backdrops, Ecola State Park offers a rich and varied experience. The accessibility of viewpoints like Ecola Point means you don't need to be an avid hiker to appreciate its grandeur, making it a must-visit for most travelers to the Oregon Coast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit