After a leisurely drive from Portland we reached our first stop along the coast, Ecola State Park. The road through the park takes you through a lush green forest before ending at Indian Beach and gorgeous beach views!
From the parking lot made our way down to the beach, then walked to the large pile of rocks at the southern end.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Returning to our car we drove back to the large parking lot at Ecola Point lookout.
Views were also great, but unfortunately several trails were closed.
view back toward Indian Beach
After checking in at our inn, we continued south to Hug Point State Recreation Site. This beach features a small waterfall and some great tidal pools.
Hug Point waterfall; seagulls enjoying the sun
Anemones!
Our final stop on day one was Oswald West State Park. Multiple trails from the parking lot lead to the beach, so we picked one and followed it down the to shore.
The tide was still fairly low so tidal pools were still available for exploring.
On the far side of the beach is Blumenthal Falls.
The next day we continued down 101 intending to check out Cape Meares – unfortunately, the road was closed so we had to settle for some simpler views of the coast instead.
