Escape any crowds you might have encountered on Cannon Beach by heading south to Hug Point. It is easy to let little (and big) imaginations run wild as you explore caves carved out by the rising tide, skip a few stones and stalk a few crazy surfers.
History explains the name of this particular park; stagecoaches would travel along the beach, hugging the point as they rode by. You can still walk the original trail early settlers took just north of the parking lot.
We skipped the trail and just headed to the beach.
Our adventures started around 10am and we had the beach almost completely to ourselves. A few surfers were out catching some small waves before heading off to work. They were in full, head to toe wetsuits; smart move since the water couldn’t have been more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10c). We were in sweatshirts; they were throwing themselves into the ocean.
Dek looked for dragons in the caves with Mike. I climbed a few boulders looking for the waterfall that supposedly was to be found on the beach. I later learned that the tiny trickle coming off one of the stones was a much larger waterfall in wetter weather. We’d had a pretty dry summer so far.
It was an easy morning exploration. We were soon back at our hotel for nap time and a little more digging in the sand at Cannon Beach. I’m just disappointed we didn’t get back at sunset. The light would have been incredible.
Know Before You Go
- Hug Point State Recreation Park, 5 miles south of Cannon Beach on U.S. Route 101
- Cost: free to everyone
- Strollers? No. Put your baby in a carrier and let walkers explore on foot.
- Restrooms are available in the parking lot
- Hiking is easy and the beach is flat.
- Dangers: keep a very careful watch on the tide. You can get trapped during high tide.
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written by Keryn Means
September 12, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Beautiful shots! And a very pretty beach. Those caverns would be so fun to explore
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September 12, 2012 at 7:35 pm
I could almost smell the sea in these photos; nice job of capturing the sense of place.
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September 12, 2012 at 11:44 pm
I love the scenery here. Your posts on Oregon’s coast make me want to skip Portland altogether and just head to this area the next time we make it up there. Beautiful pictures! What a great place to explore.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Jewel in the Rough: Mission San Juan Capistrano
September 13, 2012 at 2:51 am
I can’t get over how beautiful this part of the coast is! Your photos are stunning. It certainly is a perfect spot for a great family holiday
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September 13, 2012 at 4:58 am
Beautiful and so nice that you had the beach to yourself. Sounds like a great day.
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September 13, 2012 at 7:38 am
I love those wild Oregon beaches in rain, wind or sun. It looks like a perfect family outing!
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September 13, 2012 at 9:39 am
I never seem to think of Beach when I think of Oregon. This looks like such a wonderful place to take the family.
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September 13, 2012 at 11:20 am
I love seeing empty beaches. How beautiful!
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September 13, 2012 at 11:42 am
Oregon’s beaches are indeed beautiful! You’re lucky you caught them when the sun was shining. I wasn’t so lucky but they were still very picturesque.
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September 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm
I’ve never been to this Oregon beach, but now I’ll have to. This is gorgeous!
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October 4, 2012 at 3:41 am
Looks so pretty and sounds like a great place to explore with kids
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November 8, 2012 at 7:17 am
What a fabulous place to explore with kids! I love that stretch of beach!
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