Hug Point Oregon: Waterfall, Tide Pools, Caves & Fascinating Past
Updated: Sep 24
Are you planning a visit to the northern Oregon Coast? Be sure to stop at Hug Point State Park. It's a mix of history, natural beauty, and a bit of mystery - well worth a visit on your Oregon Coast adventure!
A stop at Hug Point State Recreation Site should be on your list of things to do.
Hug Point State Recreation Site is one of our favorite quick adventures on the northern Oregon Coast. Tucked between Manzanita and Cannon Beach, near Arch Cape, it packs a lot in a relatively small stretch of beach. Everything from a seasonal waterfall spilling onto the sand, sea caves, tide pools and even part of the old road that once saw stagecoaches and early automobiles along the Oregon Coast.
The trick is knowing when to go.
Much of what makes Hug Point special is around the headland, and the tide determines whether you can safely get there. We have a healthy respect for the mighty Pacific, and this is definitely one of those places where you want to know what the tide is doing before you start exploring.
Check the Tide Before You Visit Hug Point
The Houses on Manzanita Beach - THOMB - Insider Tip: Check the tide before you leave for Hug Point. Low tide offers the best opportunity to explore the area around the point and see the old road, caves and tide pools. Don't cut it close on the way back. The incoming tide can make the route around the headland impassable.
Oregon State Parks specifically warns that visitors exploring the point can become stranded by the incoming tide and that tide and sand conditions change seasonally.
This is one of those places where “we'll just keep an eye on the water” isn't a great plan. Know whether the tide is coming in or going out before you walk around the point.
What You'll Find at Hug Point
You don't need to plan a major hike to see what makes Hug Point special. From the parking lot, you'll find a short walkway to the beach, with the waterfall, caves, tide pools and historic road a short walk north around the point. The park also has picnic areas and a restroom.
Hug Point Waterfall
The Hug Point waterfall is probably the park's most photographed attraction, and with good reason. A freshwater stream drops over the cliff directly onto the beach before winding its way across the sand toward the Pacific.
But it doesn't look the same every time you visit.
The waterfall is seasonal, and we've found that winter and spring generally produce the most impressive flow. After plenty of rain it can be quite dramatic. During a dry summer stretch, it may slow considerably. That's part of what we enjoy about returning to Hug Point at different times of year. Like the beach, it's never the same place twice. You'll find everything from a full waterfall down to no waterfall at all -- just the beautiful sandstone rock formation.
Sea Caves and Tide Pools
Continue around the point at low tide and you'll find sandstone sea caves along with rocky areas where tide pools form.
At very low tide, sea caves are revealed at the base of the cliffs. They're rich with starfish, anemones, mussels, and the occasional tiny crabs. More tide pools can be found south from the parking lot. Walk past Point Meriwether and cross the Oregon Coast Trail, which parallels the beach in this area. Towards the north tip of Arch Cape you'll find more tide pools with more beach treasure.
Take your time and look closely. Tide pools are often more interesting when you stop looking for something spectacular and start noticing the little things tucked into the rocks.
And please watch where you step. These are living habitats, not puddles to walk through.
There are four sea caves, two of which are deeper. The deeper ones are located around the point as well as tide pools accessible at low tide.
Before Highway 101, the Beach Really Was the Highway
This may be our favorite part of Hug Point.
Before Highway 101 connected the small towns of the Oregon Coast, the beach itself was the transportation route along this stretch of coast. Travelers moved along the sand by stagecoach, wagon and, eventually, early automobiles.
Hug Point was one of the difficult spots.
Travelers had to get around the headland at low tide, staying close enough to the rocks to avoid the surf. In other words, they had to “hug” the point. That's how Hug Point got its name. Visitors to this stretch of the Oregon Coast can still spot the old road and wheel ruts visible in the rock today.
And calling the beach a highway isn't just an exaggeration. In 1913, Oregon designated the ocean shore between the high and low-tide lines as a public highway, part of the fascinating history that ultimately helped preserve public access to Oregon's beaches.
Look for the Old Handholds
In 1893, hand- and footholds were carved into the rock at Hug Point to help travelers negotiate the headland.
Later, a roadway was blasted into the rock, allowing early automobiles as well as coaches and wagons to make the trip. Travelers were still very much at the mercy of the tide.
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum has preserved some wonderful historical photographs showing just how difficult this route really was.
And Then There's the Maxwell Story
This one falls somewhere between history and a very good story.
According to an account preserved by the Cannon Beach History Center, an Arch Cape man bought a new Maxwell automobile and tried to drive it home around Hug Point. The car reportedly became stuck in the surf and was flooded by the incoming tide.
He was apparently not pleased.
The story goes that he raised money from his neighbors, bought dynamite and blasted out the roadbed so vehicles could get through without venturing so far into the surf.
Local Lore Tells Another Tale
Hug Point has another story that has been whispered about by the locals for years.
During Prohibition, the tale depicts bootleggers using secluded coves and difficult coastal routes in this part of the Oregon Coast to move illegal alcohol away from the shoreline.
And the larger area's bootlegging connection isn't entirely imaginary. Nearby Short Sand Beach is also known as Smuggler's Cove, with local history tying that name to bootlegging in the area.
Local gossip or history? Who knows? Still, with the caves, old road and the Pacific pounding against the rocks, it's pretty easy to see how the stories took hold.
There Was Once a House Above Hug Point Falls
Did you know there used to be a house above Hug Point Falls?
If you're driving Highway 101 past Hug Point, you'll notice the enormous old rhododendrons. You're looking at a remnant of another chapter in the area's history.
The Fasher family built a home above the falls in the 1930s. The Cannon Beach History Center has researched the property and recorded memories from members of the family who spent summers there. Eventually the property became part of the state park, and the house disappeared. However, some of the huge rhododendrons that once marked its driveway remain.
Visiting Hug Point: What to Know Before You Go
Where Is Hug Point?
Hug Point State Recreation Site is on the northern Oregon Coast, about 10 miles north of Manzanita and five miles south of Cannon Beach, near Arch Cape.
It's an easy drive from Manzanita, making it one of our favorite quick outings for guests staying at The Houses On Manzanita Beach.
That makes Hug Point an easy stop on its own, or you can combine it with a trip to Cannon Beach when the timing works.
Is There Parking at Hug Point?
Yes. Hug Point is a day-use state recreation site with a parking area, restroom and picnic area. It's just a short walkway down to the beach.
Parking can become more competitive during popular summer days, so we highly recommend going earlier in the day.
How Long Should You Spend at Hug Point?
For most visitors, Hug Point works beautifully as a relatively short Oregon Coast outing rather than an all-day expedition.
We think of it as a place to wander rather than hike. Give yourself enough time to explore the waterfall, look inside the caves, poke around the tide pools and find the old road without constantly watching the clock.
But the tide gets the final vote. Your visit needs to fit safely within the conditions that day.
Can You Bring a Dog to Hug Point?
Dogs are permitted on Oregon's ocean beaches, but owners are responsible for keeping them under direct control. Oregon State Parks advises visitors to carry a leash, prevent dogs from harassing people or wildlife and clean up after them.
THOMB Insider Tip: Even with a dog that's normally very obedient, we'd be especially cautious around wildlife, other visitors and the narrow areas near the headland. We've also seen dogs tumbled in the ocean surf.
Is Hug Point Good for Children?
Hug Point can be a wonderful family stop. And kids love the beach. However, it's important to remember this is the Oregon Coast, with very cold water and unexpected tides and rip tides. The incoming tide, sneaker waves, slippery rocks, caves, surf and driftwood all require active supervision.
For younger children, we'd suggest keeping the adventure simple and let the conditions determine how far you explore.
Visiting Hug Point from Manzanita or Cannon Beach
We frequently recommend Hug Point to our guests because it fits easily into a Manzanita vacation.
You don't need to move accommodations or devote an entire day to Cannon Beach. Hug Point is an easy drive north from Manzanita, and is is a quick five miles south of Cannon Beach.
We like the combination: explore Hug Point when the tide is right, continue to Cannon Beach if that's on your list, and then head back to Manzanita for dinner and a quieter evening at the beach.
If you're deciding where to eat afterward, we've put together our guide to Manzanita restaurants and local food favorites.
And if you're still planning your trip, Manzanita Beach Life has more of our favorite beaches, hikes, day trips and things to do around this part of the Oregon Coast.
Hug Point Oregon FAQ
Do You Need a Low Tide to Visit Hug Point?
You can visit the beach without arriving at the exact lowest tide, but low tide is important if you want to explore around Hug Point itself, including the historic road, caves and tide pools.
Visitors can become stranded by an incoming tide, so check conditions before going and don't cut your return too close.
Where Is Hug Point Oregon?
Hug Point State Recreation Site is on the northern Oregon Coast between Manzanita and Cannon Beach. Oregon State Parks places it about five miles south of Cannon Beach, near Arch Cape, and 10 miles north of Manzanita Beach.
Is Hug Point the Same as Hug Point State Park?
You'll often hear people call it Hug Point State Park, but its official name is Hug Point State Recreation Site.
That's useful to know because you'll see both names used when looking for directions or information online.
Can You See Hug Point Waterfall All Year?
The waterfall is seasonal. In our experience, winter and spring generally bring stronger flow, particularly after rainy weather. During the summer stretch, the waterfall can be considerably smaller to totally dry.
Are There Tide Pools at Hug Point?
Yes. Tide pools are exposed around Hug Point during low tide. Take your time, watch where you step and avoid disturbing the plants and animals living there. And please -- don't take any of the sealife home with you.
Are There Caves at Hug Point?
Yes. Oregon State Parks specifically notes two caves around the point, however there are two other smaller caves. Access depends on tide and beach conditions.
Why Is It Called Hug Point?
Before the modern highway, travelers used the beach as their route along the coast. At this headland they had to stay close to, or “hug,” the point to get around it while avoiding the surf.
That's where the name came from.
You can still see remnants of that transportation history in the old road and wheel ruts carved into the rock.
How Far Is Hug Point from Cannon Beach?
Hug Point State Recreation Site is five miles south of Cannon Beach. It's close enough to easily combine both places in the same outing, particularly if you time Hug Point around low tide and want to explore the Point area.
Is Hug Point Near Arch Cape?
Yes. Hug Point is near Arch Cape, along Highway 101 south of Cannon Beach. In fact, if the tide and beach conditions cooperate, the beach itself connects this stretch of coastline toward Arch Cape.
How Many Miles from Hug Point to Manzanita?
Manzanita Beach is 10 miles south of Hug Point. And we must say, this is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives along the Oregon Coast. The drive takes you through towering fir trees, offers wonderful views of the rugged Pacific Ocean, and you drop down over Neahkahnie Mountain to Manzanita.
Be sure to stop at the lookouts along Neahkahnie for stunning views of the seven mile Manzanita Beach.
How Long Should You Allow for Hug Point?
There's no single answer because it depends on the tide and how much you like to explore. Hug Point isn't a long hike. It's more of a place to wander, investigate the caves and tide pools, see the waterfall and old road, take photographs and generally poke around.
If you're someone who likes to stop and look at things, allow yourself time to do exactly that.
And remember: the tide sets your schedule when exploring the point, not the other way around.
A Few Last Hug Point Tips from Us
After many years of visiting Hug Point in different seasons, our biggest advice is pretty simple:
Check the tide.
Don't rush it.
Look at the rocks as well as the waterfall.
Go back in another season. It may look completely different.
And don't overlook the history under your feet. It's pretty remarkable to stand on a piece of the Oregon Coast where stagecoaches and some of the earliest automobiles once traveled because the beach was the road.
Hug Point isn't huge, and that's part of its charm. You can see quite a lot without turning it into an all-day expedition.
It's one of those Oregon Coast places that manages to squeeze a waterfall, caves, tide pools, geology, local lore and a surprising amount of history into one little stretch of beach.
No wonder we keep going back.
Make Manzanita Your Home Base for Exploring the North Oregon Coast
Hug Point is just one of many places we love exploring from Manzanita.
From our Manzanita vacation homes, it's easy to head north toward Hug Point and Cannon Beach, south toward Nehalem Bay and Tillamook, or simply leave the car behind and spend the day walking Manzanita Beach.
That's one reason we think Manzanita makes such a wonderful home base for exploring this part of the Oregon Coast. You can go out and see the sights, then come back to a smaller beach town, kick off your shoes and settle in.
We've been welcoming guests to The Houses On Manzanita Beach since 1997, and much of Manzanita Beach Life comes from the places we've explored, things we've learned and questions guests have asked us over the years.
If Hug Point is on your list, we'd definitely keep it there.
Just check that tide first!
