Clatsop Loop Trail is an easy loop trail at Ecola State Park in Oregon. Ecola State Park is about 90 minutes West of Portland on the Oregon coast. The state park is just North of Cannon Beach. The park has a $5 day use fee or you can acquire a Oregon State Park pass then you don't need to pay the day use fee. During the weekend, many people come here for photo shoot and picnic. On this beautiful day in March, we decided to do our first hike of the season at Clatsop Loop Trail.
We had the brunch first in the morning before heading to Ecola State Park. On the way there, it was actually raining quite hard in the mountain, but we were glad that it became sunny when we got to the coast. On the way to the main parking lot along Ecola Park Road, there was a huge dip on the road! Be very careful there and don't harm your car! You should see a spray painted messages on the road that says "5MPH" and that is where the big dip is! Drive slowly and watch it for other cars!
From the main parking lot, the haystack rock at Cannon Beach can be easily seen. It looks like it's raining at Cannon Beach and the scenery is just gorgeous. There were several places that are closed off for visitors due to mud slide and slipper trail, so be very careful here. Some part of the trail is very muddy and your foot could sink in.
We wanted to hike to Clatsop Trail from the main parking lot but the Indian Beach Trail was closed off due to mud slide. Thus we had to drive our car to the other parking lot that is right at the trail head of Clatsop Trail.
There are 14 markers along Clatsop Loop Trail so it is very easy to follow and track where you are. The trail is very easy because of how wide the trail is and the trail is placed with gravels on top. Near the loop around point of the trail, we get to hiker's camp. The camp site does not require any reservation and it is first come first server. We did not see any campers this time however.
When we got to the hiker's camp, instead of taking the loop trail back right away, we went a bit further to Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint. The view point is only about 2 minutes away. Some part of this trail is quite muddy and there are wooden board to walk on. Be very careful when walking on the wooden board because it is quite slippery. When we are at the view point, we could see the lighthouse very clearly.
Overall, Clatsop Loop Trail is very suitable for everyone to hike. It is short and with minimal elevation gain. It is also open all year round. This trail is definitely a great place to start the hiking season!
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