Travel: Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park (Portland, OR)

For our first day in the PDX area, we headed out to the coast. It was quite cool, so we popped into the City Target near our hotel and picked up some long-sleeved shirts to layer up. Glad we did, because it was very windy that day (and even colder the day after!)

First, we went to see the Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach! We parked at Tolovana Beach State Park (near the Mo's), and walked down the beach. It's actually a lot farther than it looks! On the side of the Haystack Rock, they have a cute marine garden. And yes, this is where they filmed the intro scene to Goonies!!



Haystack Rock


Panoramic shot of Cannon Beach, with Haystack Rock in the middle (click to embiggen)

Tada! Haystack Rock!

Selfie at the Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock Marine Garden

After that, we walked back to our car and drove up to Ecola State Park, for a short hike from Ecola Point to Indian Beach (and back again). There was a $5 day use / parking fee, and the hike took about 2.5 hours with frequent stops to take pictures. The hike itself is pretty easy (well, maybe moderate?), though quite muddy and slippery in some areas. The views are absolutely breathtaking though.


Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park - Bird Rocks

Panoramic shot of the Bird Rocks (click to embiggen)

Volunteer dog at Ecola State Park XD

Sea Lion Rocks

Indian Beach

Indian Beach

Such a beautiful area! Originally, I had hoped to drive up to Astoria as well, but it wasn't realistic timing. Next time, though!