Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
222.00 ft (67.67 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 km)
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Crescent Beach, accessed by Crescent Beach Trail, is a less crowded alternative to Ecola State Park's popular Indian Beach. Proximity to Cannon Beach and Portland via Highway 26 makes this a very convenient coastal access point. The Crescent Beach Trail starts at the east end of the Ecola Point Picnic Area, near the public restrooms. For those not desiring a hike, the Ecola Point Lookout is also a nice spot, with picnic tables on a grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific, and there are several well-developed, short trails to different lookout points. There is also a 1.5-mile trail to Indian Beach that starts at the northwest corner of the parking area. 

The Crescent Beach Trail begins climbing steeply behind a hill and toward the park access road. The path joins the road for a short while before descending slightly to the edge of a ridge, and you'll get frequent views of the beach and ocean some 200 feet below. The route heads inland, following the contour around a drainage before dropping steeply to the beach. From here, a wide open, relatively uncrowded beach stretches for a quarter-mile in each direction, offering many options for exploration or a private area to relax on the sand. 

At only 1.25 miles each way, the hike is short and fairly easy; however, be prepared for somewhat rough trail conditions in spots, including muddy sections and some steep sections toward the end. 

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Great views. Not crowded. Nice walk. Secluded beach.

Cons

Muddy trail.

Trailhead Elevation

222.00 ft (67.67 m)

Features

Lighthouse
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Comments

05/27/2017
The hike down to the beach is relatively short, muddy (need to jump through a few damp muddy patches), peaceful and scenic. Half way in, it feels you're moving away from the ocean but trust the trail, keep following it and it'll lead you to a short wooden staircase leading to the beach (which in itself is less trafficked and a joy for the eyes and your mind)
Bonus: A small waterfall at the beach.
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