Photo: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Hug Point State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–60 °F | 50–66 °F | 42–67 °F | 38–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Seaside, 11 mi away, elevation 10 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌊 Hug Point State Recreation Site — A small, free day-use wayside south of Cannon Beach with a short walkway to a sandy cove, a seasonal waterfall, sandstone caves and an old stagecoach road.
Hug Point State Recreation Site is a little wayside in Clatsop County, Oregon, just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, according to OPRD. It includes forested picnic areas, a restroom and a short walkway to the beach.
The sandy cove beach is backed by hills vegetated by salal, ferns and Sitka spruce. A short walk north reveals a seasonal waterfall, caves carved into sandstone cliffs and tide pools accessible during low tide. At low tide you can also walk along the original stagecoach road, which still has wheel ruts carved into the rock, and look north to Haystack Rock.
There is no campground here, and OPRD does not charge a day-use fee. OPRD also warns that the incoming tide can strand you when exploring the point.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Along the coast 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, Clatsop County, OR. The park’s coordinates are 45.8253, -123.9611. |
| Size | about 42 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Beach access, picnicking, flush restroom |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | Free (no day-use parking permit required) |
Things to Do
- Walk the short walkway to the sandy cove beach.
- Picnic in the forested picnic areas.
- Explore the seasonal waterfall, the two caves around the point and the tide pools, which are accessible during low tide.
- Follow the original stagecoach road at low tide and look for the wheel ruts carved into the rock.
- Look north to Haystack Rock.
History
OPRD says Clatsop County gave the original 1.3 acres to the state in 1957. In 1968 the state bought land from Elizabeth Johnson, and a later exchange with Crown Zellerbach in 1978 netted 41 additional acres.
Before the highway was built, the beach was the only way to travel along this stretch of coast. Pioneers had to hug the rocks to get around the point without getting wet, which is how Hug Point got its name.
Visitor Tips
- Check tide information before you explore. OPRD says it is possible to become stranded by the incoming tide, tide and sand conditions change with the seasons, and its advice is: if in doubt, don’t go out.
- Tide pools are accessible only during low tide, per OPRD.
- The site has a restroom, but OPRD lists no other facilities beyond beach access and picnicking.
- View the stagecoach trail, Haystack Rock and the two caves in a safe manner, as OPRD asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Hug Point State Recreation Site?
No. OPRD lists no overnight camping here; this is a day-use wayside.
Does it cost anything to visit Hug Point?
No. OPRD does not charge a day-use fee, so no day-use parking permit is required.
Why is it called Hug Point?
OPRD says it was necessary to hug the rocks to get around the point on the ocean front without getting wet.
Nearby Attractions
The closest state parks to Hug Point State Recreation Site on this site are Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, 1.0 miles away, and Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, 3.3 miles away. Oswald West State Park is 3.8 miles away and Ecola State Park is 6.5 miles away. All distances are in a straight line.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🌊 Visit Hug Point State Recreation Site
Current status, alerts and directions from Oregon State Parks.
Sources: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) park page; U.S. Census Bureau geocoder (county). As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hug Point State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Hug Point State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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