Continue South to Find a Whale

You likely won't see the skeleton of a 105 foot whale, but you can visit the spot where in 1806, Captain William Clark and 12 members of the Corps of Discovery traveled through what is now Ecola State Park in search of a beached whale near present-day Cannon Beach. Hike in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery with the 2 1/2 mile historical interpretive route of Clatsop Loop Trail and the additional trail over Tillamook Head. Clark described the view from Tillamook head as “… the grandest and most pleasing prospects which my eyes ever surveyed…”

Note that this site is not part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park; additional fees will be required for entry.

Details

Duration

1-4 Hours

Length of time is dependent on how much of the trail you want to walk. It is possible to hike from Seaside to Ecola State Park.

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Walk in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery along the beach and through forested trails.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be confined by the owner or on a leash not more than six feet long, and kept under physical control at all times. You're responsible to pick up after your pets and to keep them quiet during quiet hours (10 p.m.- 7 a.m.). Pets are not allowed in Dabney State Recreation Area or on the Canyon Trail at Silver Falls State Park.

Activity Fee

Yes

If you´re not camping and don´t have an annual permit, you need to buy a daily parking permit. Daily parking permits are $5 per day, per vehicle. You can purchase them only at a park that charges a day-use parking fee. Most are dispensed from small yellow machines near the park entrance or parking area, but some are sold from the park booth or office.

The daily permit is good for parking the entire day at any state park that charges a day-use parking fee. You can leave one day-use fee park and travel to another. The day-use fee is a parking fee and not a charge for recreational purposes under ORS 105.672 to ORS 105.696. The immunities provided under ORS 105.682 apply to use of state park land for recreational purpose.

Location

Ecola State Park

From Portland Take US-26 West to N Alt Rte Route Hwy 101/Fir St in Clatsop County. Follow signs for Cannon Beach. Take Ecola State Park Rd to Ecola Park Rd.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Loose sand is present on the coast line and care should be taken.