Hug Point Recreation Site

A few miles south of Cannon Beach is a popular destination rich with history, caves, and pristine beaches. Hug Point Recreation Site was once a pivotal waypoint for stagecoaches traveling along the coast. At low tide, it was the only way to navigate the area.

The area got its name because, at high tide, one must "hug" the rocky walls to get from point to point. Speaking of the beach, it's easily reachable from the parking area, making it a popular choice for vacationers.

Hug Point Recreation Site is a serene public treasure, welcoming visitors with its fascinating blend of history, geology, and natural beauty. With its picnic areas, it is idyllic for grabbing a picnic from a nearby eatery like Cannon Beach Smokehouse and soaking up Oregon's natural wonders. 

Besides its historical allure, the Hug Point Recreation Site is a vibrant tapestry of coastal ecology. Tide pools are brimming with marine life, a seasonal waterfall cascades onto the beach, and caves carved by the relentless force of the ocean dot the landscape. 

This diversity and history make Hug Point Recreation Site a scenic wonder haven for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the humdrum of everyday life.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun but sobering fact is the tide schedule. As mentioned, high tide makes the beach virtually impassable and can be dangerous. Occasionally, visitors get stranded in certain spots on the beach and must wait for help or until the sea recedes. Be smart and check the tide tables before planning a visit. 

A cool feature at low tide is observing the historic stagecoach wheel ruts in the rock. One's imagination will reel, picturing families, adventurers, and pioneers navigating the shoreline to their next juncture. It's a unique opportunity to connect with history, only visible at certain times during the day.

Another fantastic feature is the site's striking waterfall. While seasonal, it's a marvel to behold as water cascades to the beachfront over the cliffs.

Hug Point Recreation Site is close to another popular spot, Oswald West State Park. The proximity makes it possible to combine two beach explorations in one day.

Time your visit to the Hug Point Recreation site to correspond with a celebratory dinner at The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge. Here, you can bask in a laid-back vibe, savor delicious fare, and relive your adventure at Hug Point. 

The tide pools teeming with life and color are not to be overlooked. These natural aquariums offer a glimpse into the underwater world, bustling with starfish, anemones, and various crustaceans, providing an up-close and personal experience with marine ecology.

Visiting Hug Point Recreation Site during a Cannon Beach vacation is an unmistakable must. It's about experiencing the convergence of history, geology, and biodiversity in a setting that calms and exhilarates. 

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from Cannon Beach to Hug Point Recreation Site:

• Start on US-101 S from Cannon Beach.
• Continue on US-101 S. Drive for approximately 5 miles.
• Turn right onto Hug Point Rd, just past the Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site.
• Follow Hug Point Rd directly to the Hug Point Recreation Site parking area.
• Address: Hug Point Recreation Site, Hug Point Rd, Arch Cape, OR 97102.

Cost

Visiting the Hug Point Recreation Site is free!