Ecola State Park

  In my opinion, there are few places as spectacular and stunning as the Oregon coast. To me, it is pure magic. I don't mind that the beaches aren't warm. It doesn't bother me that it's always a little overcast and chilly. I will still take off my shoes and walk barefoot. The Oregon coast is like a cup of Earl Grey tea...it's soothing, calming and almost makes you want to curl up on the sand and take a nap.
  To catch you up after these weeks of absence, when my dad passed away, the family trekked out to Washington state (he was there when he died) for five days while dealing with affairs, seeing friends and family, mourning and preparing to bring him home to Nebraska. It was a special few days to remember dad in one of his favorite places, which has also become one of mine over the years.
  About the middle of the week, we loaded up in the rental cars (shout out to the Town and Country) and drove from Grandma's house in Longview to the coast of Oregon. We stopped in three of the most perfect places I know, one of which was Ecola State Park. Because it didn't occur to me to grab my camera when packing for such a tragic event, I was left without photos of my own...although my sis-in-law was better prepared and snapped a few. I don't know why I worry about it though. Every time I visit this area, I attempt to capture on film was is really just meant to be seen with the eyes.

 (M and I acting out Titanic...cause that's how we roll)

(SIL Alissa, Mom, M and I)

  At this point, I'm going to let  Oregon.gov bring you up to speed on the history of this place:

 One of Ecola State Park's first attractions was a beached whale. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and twelve members of the Corps of Discovery climbed over rocky headlands and fought their way through thick shrubs and trees to get to the whale in what is now Ecola State Park. Today, a paved road from Cannon Beach makes your trek to the park much easier. Winding your way through towering Sitka spruce, you suddenly emerge upon a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to have your camera ready.


Ecola State Park offers year-round recreation for all types of modern day explorers. Stop for a picnic to feed your hungry adventurers before taking to the many miles of trails. At Indian Beach you can begin your own expedition on The Clatsop Loop Trail, a new interpretive trail you that gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of Capt. Clark and his men.

There's more to the park than this rich history. Surfers ride the waves at Indian Beach and tide pools await your discovery. Keep a watchful eye open for the many species of wildlife and birds that call Ecola home. Spot migrating gray whales during winter and spring. And after a long day of exploration, stop for an overnight rest on Tillamook Head in the park's primitive cabins, (cabins are small and very primitive) a 1.5 mile hike from the Indian Beach trailhead.

Thanks for that, guys. Really, the only way to experience a rainforest that drops into the ocean is to see it for yourself. Until you can get there, I suppose these will have to suffice:

(photo: royce bair)

 (photo travelpod.com)

 (photo: rolf hicker)

(photo: ann hornyak)

(photo: s.king)

 

As a side note, we ran into a few guys in Ecola that were prepping for filming. They're making a movie out of Blue Like Jazz....uuuhhhhhhhhhhh AWESOME!