The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Ecola State Park

The Clatsop Loop Trail is a scenic delight as it winds through the stunning coastal rainforest, offering breathtaking ocean views and serene forest landscapes. The path is well-maintained, with challenging terrain and natural beauty. Along the route, you will find old-growth benches to provide a welcome respite and a chance to take in the views, where you can catch a glimpse of the Tillamook Head lighthouse in the distance.

This lighthouse sits just over a mile offshore and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is commonly known as "Terrible Tilly" due to its unlikely location, ability to withstand the ravages of the sea and dangerous conditions for its keepers dating back to 1878. The viewpoint is an excellent opportunity to capture a photo of this exciting piece of history in the Pacific Northwest.

From the northern Tillamook Head Trail, hikers are treated to a dense - and wet - coastal rainforest. The town of Seaside, north of the trailhead, has an average of 194 days of precipitation per year and an average annual precipitation accumulation of more than 6 feet. So if you're heading here for a hike, be sure to pack your waterproof boots and perhaps bring a change of clothes if you expect to get wet and muddy. Although the hike is possible most of the year, you will encounter the least amount of mud and fog if you hike in summer. This route begins on the north side of Ecola, in the Elmer Feldenheimer State Natural Area. At the end of Sunset Boulevard look for the very clearly marked trailhead.

The stairs here are for public access to Chapman Beach. To the north are great views of Thimble Rock and Bird Rocks, which are offshore near the southern end of Chapman Point. When the tide is low, you can easily navigate around the point to Crescent Beach. To the south is Cannon Beach, with a full view of the iconic Haystack Rock, a landmark easily associated with the area.

There is helpful information regarding the trail's history, and the arched entrance gives you the feeling of entering your own personal, magical coastal forest. If you want to avoid the park day use fee ($5), there is a public transportation site here.

The stairs here are for public access to Chapman Beach. To the north are great views of Thimble Rock and Bird Rocks offshore near the southern end of Chapman Point. When the tide is low, you can easily navigate around the point to Crescent Beach. To the south is Cannon Beach, with a full view of the iconic Haystack Rock, a landmark easily associated with the area.

This beautiful secluded beach sees fewer visitors than other beaches in the area. Exploring the beach and viewing the impressive, majestic rocks up close is a fantastic experience. At the north end of the beach, there is a lovely waterfall. Continue past the waterfall and discover the hidden sea caves near Ecola Point. Along with the caves, there are two tunnels, which are tall enough to walk through and explore. Choose your passage's time carefully to ensure it is low tide.

There is helpful information regarding the trail's history, and the arched entrance gives you the feeling of entering your own personal, magical coastal forest. If you want to avoid the park day use fee ($5), there is a public transportation site here.