Your Guide to Hug Point State Recreation Site

Oregon’s coastline is no stranger to excitement—towering cliffs, crashing surf, and skies that shift from sunshine to storm in minutes are all a part of the experience. But Hug Point State Recreation Site brings its own kind of spectacle: a stretch of beach where sandstone caves meet forested cliffs, and history is literally carved into the rock. Located just five miles south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point is the kind of place where you can wander into the past without leaving the present too far behind.



Whether you're tracing wagon wheel ruts from the 1800s or ducking into a sea cave with the tide at your heels, this spot earns its stripes as one of the most intriguing coastal stops in Oregon. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to this one-of-a-kind place.

You’ll find Hug Point right off U.S. Highway 101, about an hour and a half from Portland. If you’re already in Cannon Beach, it’s a quick 10-minute drive down the coast.


The parking lot is modest—don’t expect an expansive visitor center or interpretive panels—and is part of the appeal. From the lot, a short, well-marked trail leads you through a coastal forest before depositing you onto the broad sweep of sandy beach.


Facilities are limited to restrooms and picnic tables, so bring snacks, water, and a sense of curiosity.

Getting There and What to Expect

Highlights That Deserve a Closer Look

The Stagecoach Road

This is the real star of Hug Point. In the late 19th century, travelers on the coastal route had to navigate a narrow section of rock at low tide. You can still see the grooves left by stagecoach wheels worn into the sandstone, a physical timeline of travel etched by iron and erosion.

It’s surreal to stand there and imagine horse-drawn wagons “hugging” the cliff to avoid the ocean—a precarious journey that gave this spot its name.



Sea Caves

Don’t miss the caves carved into the sandstone cliffs just north of the waterfall. These natural alcoves were shaped by relentless surf and offer a cool, shaded contrast to the sunny beach. They’re accessible only during low tide, so timing your visit is essential unless you like soggy socks and unexpected swims.

Pro tip: check the tide tables before heading out. If you see people hustling back toward the trail, don’t dawdle—when the tide turns, it doesn’t ask twice.


The Waterfall on the Beach

Depending on the season (and recent rainfall), you might catch a waterfall pouring directly from the cliff onto the beach. It’s a popular spot for photography, especially in spring and early summer when the flow is strongest. Stand back unless you want your camera—and your clothes—completely misted.


Tide Pools and Rock Formations

As the ocean retreats, it leaves behind tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs playing hide-and-seek. The rock formations in this area are intricate, unique, and perfect for climbing (carefully, of course).

Hug Point has been around for centuries, so let’s all do our part to keep it looking good for the next 100 years. Here are some tips to help keep the place how you found it.



  • Watch your step on the sandstone—it’s softer than it looks and easily damaged.
  • Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in.
  • Stay alert: Sneaker waves are real and unforgiving.
  • Dogs are allowed, but leashes are required—and your pup will thank you for avoiding the sea caves during high tide.

Tips for Exploring Responsibly

Nearby Adventures Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

If you’ve come all this way, you might as well make a day (or weekend) of it. A few more gems just down the road:



  • Cannon Beach: Famous for Haystack Rock, but worth visiting for its shops, galleries, and sunset views.
  • Oswald West State Park: Home to lush forest trails and Smuggler Cove—great for surfers and hikers alike.
  • Ecola State Park: Sweeping views, wildlife sightings, and access to the Oregon Coast Trail.

After a day spent roaming sea caves and dodging tides, you’ll want a comfortable place to kick back, dry off, and maybe pour a glass of something local. That’s where the Argonauta Inn comes in.



Located right on the coast in Cannon Beach, Argonauta offers the kind of thoughtful simplicity that coastal travelers appreciate. You’ll be treated to ocean views, fireplaces, and just enough modern comfort to balance out the salt-air wildness of the day. It’s close enough to Hug Point to be convenient, but just far enough away to give you some peace and quiet.


If your idea of the perfect trip includes a balance of rugged shoreline exploration and ocean-facing downtime, Argonauta Inn should be your first choice.

Stay a While at Argonauta Inn

Final Thoughts

Hug Point doesn’t shout for your attention—it earns it. From the prehistoric rhythm of the tides to the hand-chiseled scars of human travel, every feature on this stretch of coast has a story to tell. It’s a place that rewards slow wandering, quiet observation, and instills a sense of respect for the forces that shaped it.


So pack a jacket (you’ll need it), check the tides (seriously), and bring a camera (you’ll want it). Then, after your adventure, head north, dry off, and let the ocean do its thing while you relax at the Argonauta Inn.