In the winter, from mid-December through mid-January, the 20,000 whales travel south along the Oregon coast from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico. Ecola State Park is a great place to view the giant sea mammals. Learn more about how to spot them!
The landmark Tillamook Lighthouse is up for sale.
Built a little over a mile offshore from Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach, the lighthouse offers a unique history and faces an uncertain future.
Also known as “Terrible Tilly,” it is Oregon’s only offshore lighthouse. Rising 133 feet about the whipping waters of the Pacific Ocean, Terribly Tilly is easy to spot but difficult to reach.
Situated on less than an acre of basalt rock in the Pacific Ocean, it was built in 1881 to guide ships along the ocean and to the Columbia River. Constructing the lighthouse was grueling. Accessing the rock was dangerous. Unpredictable and stormy weather wreaked havoc on the crew, supplies, and morale. Not surprisingly, at more than $123,000–and over 500 days–its construction costs made it the most expensive lighthouse built in that era.
After manning it for 77 years, the U.S. Lighthouse Service turned it over to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939. But by 1957, it was decommissioned. At that time, it was listed on the National Registrary of Historic Places. Eventually, it was put up for sale and Las Vegas investors bought it sight unseen two years later for $5,600 at an auction.
The site changed hands a few more times until the current investors/owners purchased it in 1980. They established the Eternity-at-Sea Columbarium—a place where 30 funeral urns currently rest.
Now its current owners are interested in selling the unique site/Ideally, a new owner would expand the Columbarium business. The current asking price for the site is $6.5 million.
Recently a team of five people was helicoptered out to the rock where they camped out for three days. Their job was to clean up the stone building to get it ready for sale. They also collected relics that could be used to raise funds for more maintenance work. While the site needs paint and more cleanup, the structure stands firm.
The private Tillamook Rock property is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, It can only be reached by helicopter–and with the owners’ permission. Access also depends on the weather and if sea lions aren’t overcrowding the landing site.
The last lighthouse keeper to leave the island post wrote lyrically about Terrible Tilly in the official logbook He said that the Tillamook Lighthouse was “one of the most notorious and yet “fascinating of the sea-swept sentinels in the world.”
He stated that its “beacon has been a star of hope” and its foghorn “a voice of encouragement” through “howling gale, thick fog and driving rain.”
You can read more about it here.
So when you are ready to plan your next stay at Tolovana Inn, be sure to take a few moments to watch the waves pound the rocks around “Terrible Tilly.”
Call 503-436-2211 to learn more about reserving your stay or our on-site amenities.
Cannon Beach is where the forest and the ocean come together. Along the coast, you’ll find multiple state parks near Cannon Beach that give you a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and some hidden gems of the beach, including waterfalls, wildlife, tide pools and more. Spend a day exploring one or more of the beautiful state parks near Cannon Beach – the same parks are just minutes away from your stay at Tolovana Inn.
We created a list of the best state parks near Cannon Beach. Each state park is unique and differs from one another. Bring a picnic lunch, a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, and your family, to see all that Oregon has to offer through the state parks near Cannon Beach.
Oswald West State Park stretches along four miles of coastline, where you’ll find a dense rainforest and a beautifully secluded sandy beach. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll love this vast and scenic park that’s perfect for a hike on a beautiful spring or summer day.
When you are exploring Hug Point State Park, be aware of the tide when you’re walking along the beach of the Hug Point State Recreation Site. It’s possible while walking around to become stranded by the incoming tide when you’re on the point. A short walk located between Austin Point and Hug Point reveals a seasonal waterfall, caves carved into sandstone cliffs, and tide pools accessible during low tide.
Ecola offers trails with cliff-slide viewpoints of secluded coves, forested promontories and an abandoned lighthouse. There are several different trails you can take to walk through the park, some longer than others. Some of the trails are considered historical interpretive routes. Stop for a picnic on any of the trails, and keep an eye open for the park’s wildlife, like deer, elk, and eagles!
Staying with Tolovana Inn will be memorable for your whole family. Our true oceanfront resort is located just south of downtown Cannon Beach, near the state parks. When you’ve finished exploring, head back to our oceanfront lodging to relax before heading out into town for dinner or to familiarize yourself with Tolovana Park. In our studios and suites, you’ll find a full kitchen, living room, private balcony, and a cozy fireplace. Book easily online to reserve your room with us today!
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.
Here are two great parks near Tolovana Inn to check out.
Upon entering Ecola State Park, travelers 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, tide-pooling and many trails for hiking. 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.
Walkway at Oswald State Park
Set aside time to explore the untouched forestry of Oswald West State Park just five miles south of Tolovana Inn. The park features sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and the Oregon Coast Trail that offers a ai 13-mile-long meandering trail through the park.
Many hiking trails are located throughout the park so bring a camera. You’ll encounter massive western red cedars, beautiful green ferns, and red huckleberry. During your your peaceful walk, you’ll be lulled by the sounds of the rolling waves of the ocean
Indoor Salt Water
After a day out hiking, come back to relax at Tolovana Inn in the saltwater indoor pool that features a hot tub and sauna. The welcoming staff at Tolovana Inn will help with reservations and can answer any questions travelers may have.
