In case you didn’t know, Hug Point State Recreation Site was the first place in the United States to spot a Blue rock thrush in 2024. This rare bird, usually found in Asia and Europe, chose this beautiful spot on the Oregon Coast for its debut appearance. It’s just one of the many surprises waiting for you at Hug Point!
If you’re planning a trip to Cannon Beach or exploring the Oregon coastline, you’ve got to add Hug Point to your list. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the site’s intriguing past to its hidden treasures and practical tips for your visit.
Why is Hug Point a Special Place?
The Hug Point State Recreation Site is a neat park that’s full of surprises. It’s got a beautiful beach, some really old roads that cars used to drive on, and even a waterfall that flows right onto the sand! The park is 43 acres big, which is about the size of 32 football fields. That’s a lot of space to explore!
Why is It Called Hug Point?
One of the coolest things about Hug Point is how it got its name. A long time ago, before there were highways, people had to drive on the beach to get from one town to another. At Hug Point, the cliff sticks out into the ocean, so cars and stagecoaches had to “hug” the point to get around it. I’ll tell you more about this later on.
Why is Hug Point Waterfall Famous?
The Hug Point waterfall is not a huge waterfall like you might see in the mountains, but it’s special because it’s right on the beach! The water comes from a small stream and falls over the edge of the cliff onto the sand below.
The waterfall looks different depending on when you visit. In the summer, it might be just a little trickle because there isn’t much rain. But in the fall and winter, after it’s been raining a lot, the waterfall can be really strong and beautiful. It’s always fun to see, no matter what time of year you go!
What is the History of Hug Point?
Hug Point has a really interesting history. Let’s take a trip back in time to learn about how this place got its name and why it’s so special.
The Stagecoach Era
A long, long time ago, before there were cars or highways, people used to travel along the Oregon Coast by stagecoach. These were like big wagons pulled by horses. The beach was the only road they had!
When the stagecoaches got to Hug Point, they had a problem. The cliff stuck out into the ocean, and there wasn’t much space to get around it. So, the drivers had to wait for low tide and then “hug” the cliff really closely to get by. That’s how Hug Point got its name as I said earlier!
Building the Road
Around 1910, people decided they needed a better way to get around Hug Point. So, they used dynamite to blast a road right into the side of the cliff! This made it much easier for stagecoaches and early cars to get by, even when the tide wasn’t super low.
You can still see this old road today. When the tide is low, you can walk on it and even see the marks left by wagon wheels over 100 years ago. How cool is that?
How Did Hug Point Become a Park?
In the 1920s and 1930s, Oregon built Highway 101. This new road went inland, so people didn’t need to drive on the beach anymore. Hug Point stopped being an important travel route and became a place where people came to enjoy the beach instead.
In 1931, Hug Point became a state park. This means the government decided to protect it so that everyone could enjoy its beauty and history. Today, it’s called Hug Point State Recreation Site, and it’s a travel destination where we can all come to explore, learn, and have fun!
How Was the Hug Point Waterfall Created?
The waterfall at Hug Point wasn’t always there. It formed over thousands of years through a mix of rock types, water flow, and Mother Nature’s slow work. Over time, water found a way through the softer parts, making the path we see today. Now, water from inland areas flows over the edge, creating the beautiful waterfall we can enjoy on the beach.
The Rocks That Made It Possible
The cliffs at Hug Point are made of two main types of rock: sandstone and basalt. Sandstone is soft and easy to wear away, while basalt is hard and tough.
About 15 million years ago, lava flows from inland volcanoes reached the coast, forming layers of basalt on top of the older sandstone. As water flowed over these rocks, it wore away the sandstone faster than the basalt. This difference in how fast the rocks wear away is key to how the waterfall formed.
Water’s Path to the Sea
Long before the waterfall existed, rainwater and underground springs created small streams inland. These streams naturally flowed towards the ocean, following the slope of the land.
Over time, one of these streams found a weak spot in the cliff face where softer sandstone was exposed. The water began to carve a channel through this softer rock, gradually creating the path for today’s waterfall.
How Time Shaped the Falls
The creation of the Hug Point waterfall wasn’t a quick process. It took thousands of years of constant water flow to shape the falls we see today.
Each winter, when rains were heaviest, the stream would flow stronger, wearing away more rock. In drier summers, the flow would lessen but never completely stop, thanks to underground springs. This constant flow, along with freezing and thawing in winter, slowly carved out the dramatic drop we now see.
Nature’s Ongoing Work
The waterfall at Hug Point isn’t finished changing. Every day, the water continues to shape the rock it flows over. During heavy rains, the falls might carry small pebbles and sand, which act like sandpaper, wearing away the rock even faster.
Sometimes, chunks of the softer sandstone might break off, slightly changing the waterfall’s shape or creating small pools where the water collects before continuing its journey to the beach.
Why the Waterfall Stays Put
You might wonder why the waterfall doesn’t just wear away all the rock and disappear. The answer lies in the harder basalt layers in the cliff. These tough layers of rock act like a cap, slowing down the erosion process.
While the softer sandstone beneath might wear away, the basalt remains, creating the ledge that the water flows over. This is why the waterfall at Hug Point has been a lasting feature, delighting visitors for generations.
How to Get to Hug Point from Cannon Beach?
Getting to Hug Point is pretty easy, especially if you’re coming from Cannon Beach. It’s only about a 10-minute drive south. Here’s how to get there:
- Start in Cannon Beach and drive south on Highway 101.
- Keep your eyes peeled for a sign that says “Hug Point State Recreation Site.”
- When you see the sign, turn right onto a small road called Beach Access Road.
- Follow this road until you get to the parking lot.
The parking lot is free, which is great! But it can get full quickly on busy days, especially in the summer. If you can, try to get there early in the day to make sure you get a spot.
What to Bring to Hug Point?
When you visit Hug Point, it’s good to be prepared. Here are some things you might want to bring:
- Shoes that can get wet (like water shoes or old sneakers)
- A jacket (even in summer, it can be windy and cool)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A water bottle
- Snacks (there are no stores at Hug Point)
- A camera to take pictures of all the cool things you’ll see
- A tide table (you can get this online or at a local store)
- Beach toys (if you want to build sandcastles)
Packing Tip: There are bathrooms at Hug Point but no place to buy food or drinks. So it’s important to bring everything you need with you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hug Point?
You can visit Hug Point any time of year, but different seasons offer different experiences. Here’s a quick guide:
| Season | Months | Weather | Waterfall | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | June-August | Warm and dry | Small | Busy | Beach activities, tide pooling |
| Fall | September-November | Cool and rainy | Flowing well | Less crowded | Waterfall viewing, storm watching, big waves |
| Winter | December-February | Cold and rainy | Strongest flow | Quietest | Storm watching, dramatic waves |
| Spring | March-May | Mild, some rain | Good flow | Getting busier | Wildflowers, whale watching |
What Are the Things to See and Do at Hug Point?
There’s so much to do at Hug Point! Let’s talk about all the cool stuff you can see and do when you visit.
Walk on the Old Stagecoach Road
One of the coolest things at Hug Point is the old road that’s carved into the cliff. This road was made over 100 years ago so that stagecoaches and early cars could get around the point. You can still see the wheel ruts in the rock from all those old vehicles!
To see the old road, you need to visit when the tide is low. Walk north from the main beach area, and you’ll see where the road starts. It’s pretty amazing to think that people used to drive on this narrow path right next to the ocean!
Check Out the Sea Caves
Hug Point has some really neat sea caves that you can explore when the tide is low. These caves were made by the ocean waves hitting the cliffs over and over for thousands of years.
When you’re exploring the caves, make sure to be careful. The rocks can be slippery, and you don’t want to get trapped by the incoming tide. It’s best to look at the caves from the outside unless you’re with an adult who knows the area well.
Find Animals in the Tide Pools
Tide pools are like little underwater worlds that get left behind when the tide goes out. At Hug Point, you can find some really interesting creatures in these pools. Here’s a table of some tide pool creatures you might see:
| Creature | What It Looks Like | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Stars | Colorful star-shaped animals | Clinging to rocks |
| Anemones | Flower-like animals | In cracks and crevices |
| Hermit Crabs | Small crabs in borrowed shells | Scuttling across the sand |
| Mussels | Dark blue-black shellfish | Clustered on rocks |
| Sea Urchins | Spiny, round animals | In deeper pools |
Pro Tip: When you’re looking at tide pools, it’s important to be gentle and not touch or take any of the animals. We want to keep these little ecosystems healthy for everyone to enjoy.
Watch for Wildlife
Hug Point is a great place to see all kinds of wildlife. Here are some animals you might spot:
- Seagulls and other seabirds flying overhead or walking on the beach
- Harbor seals bobbing in the waves or sunning themselves on rocks
- Bald eagles soaring high above (if you’re really lucky!)
- Whales passing by in the distance during migration seasons
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring binoculars if you have them. They can help you see animals that are far away, like birds on the cliffs or seals out in the water.
How to Stay Safe at Hug Point?
While Hug Point is a super fun place to visit, it’s important to be safe. The ocean can be unpredictable, and the cliffs and rocks can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Here are some important safety tips to remember:
How Do Tides Work at Hug Point?
The tides are really important at Hug Point. When the tide is high, the water comes up much closer to the cliffs. This can make some areas impossible to walk through. Here’s what you need to know:
- Always check the tide tables before you go. You can find these online or at local shops.
- Plan your visit for low tide if you want to explore the sea caves and old roads.
- Be aware of when the tide is coming in. You don’t want to get stuck!
- If you’re not sure about the tides, ask a park ranger or a local for help.
Here’s a table to help you understand how the tides affect what you can do at Hug Point:
| Tide Level | Beach Access | Waterfall Visible | Sea Caves Accessible | Old Road Walkable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Low | Full | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low | Mostly Full | Yes | Partly | Partly |
| Medium | Partial | Maybe | No | No |
| High | Limited | No | No | No |
What Are the Beach Safety Rules at Hug Point?
Here are some important rules to follow when you’re at the beach:
- Never turn your back on the ocean. Big waves can come unexpectedly.
- Stay off wet, slippery rocks.
- Don’t climb on the cliffs. They can be unstable and dangerous.
- Keep an eye on kids and pets at all times.
- If you see signs warning about dangerous areas, pay attention to them!
- Pack out what you pack in (that means take your trash with you)
- Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them
- Don’t take rocks
- Don’t disturb wildlife or plants
- No drones allowed (they can disturb nesting shorebirds)
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If something looks dangerous, don’t do it!
What Other Places to Visit Near Hug Point?
While Hug Point is awesome, there are lots of other neat places to visit nearby. Here’s a quick comparison of these parks:
| Park Name | Distance from Hug Point | Main Attractions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon Beach | 5 miles north | Haystack Rock, shops | Beach day, shopping |
| Ecola State Park | 8 miles north | Hiking trails, views | Hiking, wildlife viewing |
| Oswald West State Park | 10 miles south | Short Sand Beach, forests | Surfing, hiking |
If you’re thinking about having a special event at Hug Point, like a wedding or a big party, you need to know something important. The park has rules about special events and activities that aren’t usual beach fun. You’ll need to get a special permit if you want to do things like have a big gathering, film a movie, or do any construction.
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach is a fun town just 5 miles north of Hug Point. It’s famous for Haystack Rock, a huge rock formation right on the beach.
Haystack Rock is 235 feet tall – that’s about as tall as a 23-story building! At low tide, you can walk right up to it and see colorful sea stars and anemones in the tide pools around its base.
In Cannon Beach town, you can find lots of fun shops, art galleries, and places to eat. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon after your Hug Point adventure.
Ecola State Park
If you like hiking and amazing views, you’ll love Ecola State Park. It’s just north of Cannon Beach and has some really pretty trails. From some spots in the park, you can see for miles up and down the coast. You might even spot some elk or deer while you’re there!
Oswald West State Park
About 10 miles south of Hug Point, you’ll find Oswald West State Park. This park has a beautiful beach called Short Sand Beach that’s popular with surfers.
There are also lots of hiking trails in Oswald State Park through old forests with big, tall trees. One popular hike in Oswald State Park takes you to the top of Cape Falcon, where you can see amazing views of the ocean.
What Plants and Animals Live at Hug Point?
Hug Point isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s also full of cool rocks and plants that tell us about the Earth’s history. Let’s explore some of the natural wonders you can find here!
The Cliffs and Rocks
The cliffs at Hug Point are made of two main types of rock: sandstone and basalt. Here’s a simple way to tell them apart:
- Sandstone: This is a light-colored rock that feels a bit gritty like sand stuck together. It’s soft and can be carved by water easily.
- Basalt: This is a dark, hard rock that was once lava. It’s much tougher than sandstone.
You can see both of these rocks on the cliffs at Hug Point. The sandstone is easy to spot – it’s what most of the cliffs and sea caves are made of. But if you look closely, you might see dark stripes or chunks in the cliffs. That’s basalt!
Plants and Trees
Hug Point isn’t just about rocks and water – it’s also home to lots of plants. Here are some you might see:
- Sitka Spruce: These are tall evergreen trees that can handle strong winds and salty air.
- Salal: This is a shrub with dark green leaves. It grows all over the forest floor.
- Sword Ferns: These ferns have long, pointed leaves that look a bit like swords.
- Beach Strawberry: In spring, you might see tiny strawberries growing on the ground!
These plants are tough – they can grow in sandy soil and handle strong winds and salt spray from the ocean.
Wildlife at Hug Point
Hug Point is home to lots of animals, both on land and in the sea. Here’s a table of some wildlife you might spot:
| Animal | Where to Look | Best Time to See |
|---|---|---|
| Seagulls | On the beach or flying | Any time |
| Harbor Seals | In the water or on rocks | Low tide |
| Bald Eagles | Flying overhead or perched in trees | Early morning |
| Whales | Far out in the ocean | Spring and Fall (migration seasons) |
| Starfish | In tide pools | Low tide |
| Hermit Crabs | In tide pools and on the beach | Low tide |
Take note that these animals are wild, so we need to respect their homes. Watch from a distance and never try to touch or feed them.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Beauty of Hug Point State Recreation Site
Hug Point is a photographer’s dream, with its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and beautiful beach. Here are some tips to help you take great photos:
- Golden Hour: The best light for photos is usually just after sunrise or just before sunset. This is called the “golden hour” and it makes everything look magical.
- Tide Pools: Get down low to capture the colorful creatures in tide pools. A macro lens or the close-up mode on your phone can work great for this.
- Waterfall: For that smooth, silky look in waterfall photos, use a slow shutter speed if your camera allows it. If you’re using a phone, look for a “long exposure” or “live photo” mode.
- Landscapes: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots. Imagine your image divided into a 3×3 grid, and try to place important elements along these lines or at their intersections.
- People: Including a person in your landscape shots can give a sense of scale and make the photo more interesting.
As always, remember to check the tide tables, bring the right gear, and stay safe as you explore. And most importantly, take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of this amazing place. It might not be as famous as some other Oregon beaches, but that’s part of what makes it so special.
How Far is Hug Point from Cannon Beach?
Hug Point is about 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, Oregon. This short drive along Highway 101 takes you to a beautiful spot known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and sea caves. Hug Point State Recreation Site is easily accessible and offers a lovely beach backed by lush vegetation. Remember to visit during low tide to explore safely and avoid getting stranded.
What County is Hug Point, Oregon in?
Hug Point is located in Clatsop County, Oregon. This scenic spot, known for its stunning coastal views, sea caves, and waterfalls, is a popular destination along the northern Oregon coast. The coordinates for Hug Point are approximately 45.83127° N latitude and -123.96139° W longitude.
How to Get to Hug Point Waterfall
To get to Hug Point Waterfall, park at Hug Point State Recreation Site, located about 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, Oregon. Walk down the trail from the parking lot to the beach, then head north along the shoreline. Make sure to visit during low tide to safely access the waterfall, which cascades over rocks onto the beach.
