Hug Point State Recreation Site offers an easy access to the beach, a peek at some interesting local history and loads of scenic beauty. Just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, this little wayside includes forested picnic areas, a restroom and a short walkway to the beach.
The lovely sandy cove beach just off the park is backed by hills vegetated by salal, ferns and sitka spruce. Located between Austin Point to the south and Hug Point to the north, a short walk north reveals a seasonal waterfall, caves carved into sandstone cliffs and tidepools accessible during low tide.
Imagine traveling by stagecoach along the beach. Before the highway was built, the beach was the only way to travel along this stretch of coast. North of the parking area at low tide you may walk along the original stagecoach road, still harboring the wheel ruts carved into the rock. Pioneers traveling around this headland had to hug this particular point even at low tide and so the point and the park both take the name hug point.
Please be aware of the tide when exploring the beach and headlands of Hug Point State Recreation Site! It is possible to become stranded at high tide when exploring the point. Take a look at the stagecoach trail, the view of Haystack Rock to the north and the two caves around the point, but please do so in a safe manner.
