Kim G.
Yelp
Where the forest meets the sea, and the iconic image of Cannon Beach with the ocean cascading over the sea stacks welcomes you, Ecola State Park is magical! The most gorgeous, expansive views of Cannon Beach beach can only be seen from here. It is absolutely breathtaking! This should be on everyone's list to visit!
The winding drive through the forest to get to the parking lot and lookout points is equally beautiful. Rich, dense greenery of ferns, moss and trees with wild life everywhere for the observant eye. Deer, elk and smaller animals in abundance, so please, please drive slowly. This is their home!
Once you arrive at the top, there is plenty of parking. For just $5 for a day per car, it's well worth it. There are picnic tables near the parking area and public restrooms so pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it! Totally family friendly.
When I arrived an hour before sunset on Nov 1st, there were easily 40+ Elk grazing the field right next to the cars. There were 2 massive males with their beautiful antlers, and lots of females with their almost full grown babies, some still trying to nurse. Others calling out for their moms. It was so surreal to see that many Elk so close. Mesmerized, I watched them for over 45 minutes.
Since there is no hunting allowed, these Elk are clearly used to people. However, they are WILD animals so be respectful, keep your distance. They can be aggressive, especially when protecting their young. So many stupid humans, some with toddlers, were walking right up to them as if they were domesticated animals. They are Not! They wild animals. Respect.
There are paved walking paths from the parking area towards the south where you will find the best view of Cannon Beach. There are several sea stacks standing tall against the waves, with the curved inlet of the forest as a backdrop. Did I mention it's breathtaking? I've taken so many pictures and I'm seriously considering having one blown up to a 30x50 to adorn my one empty wall.
If you walk west to the other Lookout point, you can see the lighthouse and take a different path down to Indian Beach, below. When the tide is out, explore the tide pools with anemones, and yellow and purple starfish, always so much fun! Look, but don't touch.
For those wanting to hike the trails, they are well marked and once inside the forest, it will feel like you are the only one there.
Lots of people come to the park right before dusk to see incredible sunsets of various shades of sherbet colors or bright orange and red depending on the season.
I've been here when it has been super windy, calm and peaceful like the other night, and in gray, rainy weather. It's beautiful in all conditions. Usually I spend about an hour here but the next time I am going to take my own advice and pack a lunch and stay for the afternoon. The peace and calm it brings me is nourishment for my soul.