Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach

Tide Pools, Surfers, Life in the sea salt air! What I liked: The tide pools where we found Sea Anemones and other sea life. Watching the crabs hide between the rocks. What I didn't like: Watch your step on the last stair down to the shore the ground is uneven and pitted which could make for a short lived time here. Someone should post a sign. We arrived about 9:30 Am the air thick with sea salt on an amazingly sunny day. The drive to the beach is down a narrow yet well maintained beautiful road that takes you through a gorgeous old growth forest, where the shadows are so deep you'll need your headlights. My usually unimpressed teens set down their devices to take in how magical and beautiful the forest was. The view is only topped by the moment you walk out onto the initially Rocky beach of Ecola to witness the waves crashing upon distant rocks. We took the time to walk the whole beach to the Rocky out crop where the crabs dart between the shadows of the stones. From here you can take in the view of the island light house to the Northwest. On the walk back we watched surfers and played a bit in the warm sand. There is a reason Ecola is renowned, you won't be disappointed by your visit.

To be honest We didn’t do much homework before going on the hike, my husband and I ended up doing the lighthouse trail as many people did. The scenery along the trail was nice but the end of the trail for lighthouse was slightly disappointing. I swear there were better views of it along the way! But it was still a nice hike but if you want a view of the beach.. just stay at the beach.