The Hike To This Secluded Waterfall Beach In Oregon Is Positively Amazing
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 07, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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