Exploring Indian Beach – A Beach You’ll Love
Nestled at the base of Tillamook Head’s southern slope in stunning Ecola State Park, sits Indian Beach. This secluded cove is a great place to surf, bird watch, explore tide pools, and hit the trails.
Hit the Trails of Ecola State Park
Clatsop Loop Trail
The Clatsop Loop Trail starts up by the parking lot. This fairly easy to moderate, 2.8-mile loop winds you through a lush old-growth Sitka spruce forest, and offers some great viewpoints along the outer edge. Leashed pups are allowed.
Crescent Beach Trail
The Crescent Beach Trail also offers access to a nearby and less-trafficked beach.
Surf’s Up
Surfing the Oregon Coast is a year-round sport, but summer is the best time to learn how to surf at Indian Beach, because the northwest winds are blowing, and the waves are typically smaller. Already a pro? The fall offers prime conditions with warmer waters, less wind, and consistent surf. Winters are great too, if you can brave the heavy rainfall and frigid Pacific Ocean temperatures. Check out daily surf forecast and conditions here.
The friendly and knowledgeable crew at Cleanline Surf Shop in Cannon Beach can get you geared up for a fun-filled day on the water at Indian Beach. They also have local instructors who provide lessons for all ages and skill levels. Don’t surf, but still want to enjoy the water? You can also rent a bodyboard, kayak, paddle board, or skimboard.
Tide Pools
Discover rarely visited tidepools in the boulder-strewn areas at the southern end of the beach. Tide pools can be viewed any time of day, but are best visited during low tide where you can see sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, barnacles, and more!
