Category: Ecola State Park

Hiking Near Cannon Beach

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Hiking near Cannon Beach

Hiking near Cannon Beach at Oswald State Park

 

A significant advantage of spending time at Tolovana Inn is that there are many great
trails for hiking near Cannon Beach. No matter what season, add a hike or two to the list
of things to do in Oregon. Nature lovers will be able to spend the day exploring the
beautiful landscapes, secluded beaches, and hiking trails during their stay. While there
are many local state parks to explore, here are two parks to check out.

Ecola State Park

Upon entering Ecola State Park, travelers will be consumed by the breathtaking flora and fauna spread throughout the park and happy to know it’s just minutes from their Cannon Beach lodging. While exploring the entrance, many hikers find themselves surrounded by forestry on a road that leads to a grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific Coast. Ecola State Park extends along a nine-mile stretch along the Oregon coastline. It offers a place for wildlife observation, picnicking with the family, tidepooling and has many trails for hiking near Cannon Beach.  Through the traverse, there is an abandoned lighthouse, hidden coves, isolated beaches, and outstanding views of Haystack Rock. Hikers journey through blooming flowers, towering pines, and magical views of the ocean during their getaway and the park will be a highlight of the trip.

Oswald West State Park

Hiking near Cannon Beach

Walkway at Oswald State Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set aside time to explore the untouched forestry of Oswald West State Park stepping away from the crowds of Cannon Beach, and is just five miles south of Tolovana Inn. The park features sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and the Oregon Coast Trail that is a 13 mile long meandering trail through the park. Many hiking trails are located throughout the park so bring a camera along to capture images of the massive western red cedars, beautiful green ferns, and red huckleberry throughout the trek. Delight in a peaceful walk through the trails where venturers hear the sounds of the ocean along the way. While hiking near Cannon Beach at the park stop by Smugglers Cove, known as “short sands,” and watch surfers hit the waves as this is a favorite local surfing destination. There are many areas to explore while at Oswald West State Park, so mark this on the list of things to do in Oregon during vacation.

Oceanfront Cannon Beach Lodging

Indoor Salt Water

Indoor Salt Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While on family vacations, escape the busy city life and spend a day out hiking near Cannon Beach. Tolovana Inn provides peaceful views of the oceanfront from a private balcony where the beach is within steps at all times. After a day out hiking, come back and relax in the salt water indoor pool area that features a hot tub and sauna. Not many Oregon coast locations use a Saline System, and the benefits of a salt water pool eliminate the irritation to the body. The welcoming staff at Tolovana Inn will help with reservations and can answer any questions travelers may have. To book a stay, call 1-800-333-8890.

Beach Fire Ban Lifted: Break out the S’mores

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Cannon Beach fire ban lifted
(Photo: Jon Martin)

The Oregon State Parks Department announced today, August 29, that the fire ban in place for most of the summer has been lifted for Cannon Beach and other North Oregon beaches and parks.

Specifically, the ban has been lifted north of the Umpqua River (Roseburg area). *

For Labor Day visitors to Cannon Beach, that’s great news just in time for the three-day weekend.  It’s time to break out sweatshirts, beach blankets and makings for S’Mores. 

The weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny days, but evening temperatures are expected to drop to a brisk mid 50 degrees.  Perfect for a beach bonfire! 

Tolovana Inn has a special S’Mores‘ package for four including roasting sticks, chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.  You can also get firewood from Tolovana Inn.   Just call ahead to reserve your supplies–800-333-8890.

A cozy beach fire is a perfect wind down for what many people consider the final weekend of summer vacation, especially for those whose lives revolve around school calendars.

For others, the months of September and October are typically inviting too, for bundling up around an outdoor fire.

 

*Two exceptions are Alfred Loeb and Saddle Mountain Parks, where the fire ban remains. 

 

 

Remarkably Scenic Northwest Hiking Trails

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Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach is located in the center of some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are some nearby suggested hikes filled with natural beauty, waiting for you to explore.

Ecola State Park offers an adventure through lush rain-forest, where hikers will find some of the world’s tallest trees. Hike past old-growth Sitka Spruce to the end of Cape Falcon where you’ll take in the most breathtaking views.  Many of the best hikes can be found just minutes away in Ecola State Park, accessed via Ecola Park Road at the north end of Cannon Beach. The Park offers options for easy, paved accessible trails from the Ecola Point viewpoint to options for longer multiple-mile hikes. An Oregon State Parks pass, Oregon Pacific Coast Passport or $5 day-use fee is required for parking.

Neahkahnie Mountain and the more challenging Saddle Mountain.  Walk through wildflower-covered meadows, miles of uninterrupted beaches, or connect with a portion of the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail. You’ll find everything from moderate to challenging hiking trails and accessible pathways suitable for all ages and abilities.

Oswald West State Park, located about 10 minutes south of Cannon Beach, offers several interconnected hiking trails with many options for hikers of all levels including a 13-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Necarney Creek to Elk Flats: From the smaller parking area just south of the main Oswald West parking lot, the Necarney Creek Trail descends into the rain-forest and connects to the Elk Flats Trail south, offering about a 1.5 mile walk through forests, emerging at meadows frequented by elk and eventually leading to a short spur trail to sheer cliffs overlooking Devil’s Cauldron.

 TRAILS – Perfect for the entire family and any level of hiker

Tillamook Head Trail: From the trail-head at Indian Beach, hikers can follow the route taken by a party of explorers from the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806. This segment of the Oregon Coast Trail leads from Indian Beach about six miles to the northern trail-head in south Seaside.

Clatsop Loop Trail: This three-mile loop trail from Indian Beach begins along a gravel service road, passes through rain-forest and finally emerges at a small hikers’ camp where a nearby viewpoint overlooks the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Hikers can then return to Indian Beach via a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Cape Falcon Trail: A 2.3-mile hike leads from the trail head parking area on the west side of Highway 101, through coastal rain-forest to the end of Cape Falcon. The trail emerges from the forest at the end of the cape through hedges of salal and wild roses, offering views north to Tillamook Head and south to Cape Lookout.

Cannon Beach Nature Trail: This trail includes a paved portion that follows a bend of Ecola Creek, past wetlands and emerging at 2nd Street at the City Park. A gravel portion of the trail circles the ponds at the east end of 2nd Street and a south spur of the trail passes through a Spruce forest reserve.

Short Sand Beach Trail: A half-mile walk through the woods and along a creek leads to Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park.

Cannon Beach first among “10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season”

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Accordinbeach fireg to a recent online article in The Huffington Post, Cannon Beach tops the list of the 10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season.    Key reasons cited are smaller crowds, empty swaths of sandy beaches and lower lodging rates in September and beyond.

Specifically, the article points out how Cannon Beach visitors can cozy up into the evening with a twilight bonfire and a fine bottle of wine to watch some of the year’s most incredible sunsets.    Unlike other beaches, there is no rule against alcohol on the Oregon coastline.

Exploring the tide pools at Haystack Rock was also highlighted.  And, it goes on to point out that the wildlife really comes out when the crowds disperse, with lots of bird watching along the shore and at neighboring Ecola State Park where visitors can watch for elk and migrating grey whales offshore.

Storm chasers are advised that that fall and winter’s unpredictable weather that can bring crashing waves, best enjoyed from an oceanfront hotel.   Fortunately, Tolovana Inn’s ocean front rooms and suites are perfect for that.

Other notable beaches highlighted in the article include  Moshup Beach,  Massachusetts, near Martha’s Vineyard, Kennebunk Beach, in Maine,  Sunset Beach, North Carolina and  Pfeiffer Beach, California’s Highway 1, near Big Sur.  Rounding out the list are Shi Shi Beach, in the Olympic National Park, WA; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Cove Beach, New Jersey and Malaquite Beach, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico.