Cannon Beach

The Indian Beach – Indian Beach Trail loop from Cannon Beach offers a truly immersive experience into the Oregon Coast's wild beauty. You'll wind through dense, old-growth Sitka spruce forests, where moss drapes from trees and ferns carpet the ground, before emerging to dramatic coastal vistas. Expect a challenging 11.8-mile (19.0 km) hike with 1484 feet (452 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 5 hours and 27 minutes, featuring steep sections and potentially muddy terrain with exposed roots.

This difficult route starts near Ecola Point within Ecola State Park, where parking is available. Given the length and elevation, plan to start your hike early in the day to ensure you have enough time to complete the loop comfortably. Sturdy hiking boots are a must for navigating the varied terrain, which includes both paved sections and rugged forest paths.

Beyond the stunning natural features like sea stacks and the iconic Terrible Tilly lighthouse, this trail holds historical significance as part of the Oregon Coast Trail, tracing a route taken by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk and various seabirds, adding to the rich natural allure of this diverse ecosystem that blends temperate rainforest with rugged Pacific coastline.