Ecola State Park, a winter destination
BY MALIA RIGGS
In the Pacifi c Northwest it seems that the
clouds of grey and the sturdy swells of the
Pacifi c Ocean are unwavering in the winter.
But in Ecola State Park, the grey and gloom
adds to the charm of a typical Oregon day
hike.
Ecola State Park is stretched along nine
miles of coastline, wrapping around Tilla-
mook Head. The park is nestled between
Seaside and Cannon Beach. With eight
miles of the Oregon Coast Trail weaving
through Ecola to a two-and-a-half mile loop
hike called Clatsop Loop Trail, this state
park has something to offer for varying
experience levels.
The day use fee is $5, which includes
parking and park access from dawn until
dusk.
With a proper rain jacket and a good
pair of waterproof hiking boots you can do
almost anything the park has to offer. The
park offers a plethora of diverse outdoor
recreational activities including picnicking,
surfi ng, observing wildlife, hiking and tide-
pooling. These activities are easily doable
year-round.
The park is known for Ecola Point and
Indian Beach. Both have stunning view-
points and opportunities for the perfect pic-
nic any time of year.
Continued on Page 11
Photos by Malia Riggs
TOP The Clatsop Loop Trail leads to and from Indian Beach.
10 // COASTWEEKEND.COM
BOTTOM Surfers sit at Indian Beach.