Places to See and Things to Do in Arch Cape Oregon

October 26, 2022

Categories: Cannon Beach | North Oregon Coast

If you crave a vacation destination with splendid scenery, serene atmospheres, and varieties of wildlife, Arch Cape Oregon might be a perfect place of choice. Located on the north coast in Clatsop County between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, Arch Cape offers easy access to many fun-filled outdoor activities that make tourists always want to visit again. 

However, to maximize your excitement in this Oregonian community, you must know beforehand the things to do during your vacation. Adequate preparation is of the essence as it can be tough to make a decision on where to go and what to see, with so many amazing things to do in Arch Cape. Read on to know the best things you could do while vacationing in Arch Cape, Oregon.

Clear blue skies, ocean, and people on the beach at Arch Cape, OR.

Photo by Arch Cape Escape vacation home ~ 

 

The 5 Best Things to Do in Arch Cape Oregon

A to-do list is essential to guide you through your journey when embarking on a vacation. Unfortunately, many people are usually carried away by other preparations, including booking a rental, flight, or rail ticket, without considering what they will do while reaching their destinations, leading to confusion and haphazard planning that doesn't foster a good vacation experience.  

With this in mind, we have itemized the most exciting things you might want to do while in Arch Cape, Oregon. Below are the best things to do in Arch Cape, Oregon. 

 

Visit Hug Point State Recreation Site 

If you're looking for a great place to go while in Arch Cape Oregon, don't hesitate to visit Hug Point. Marked by its natural wonders, including a waterfall, caves, rocks, and sandy beaches, Hug Point is a terrific attraction to visitors. There are many things you will want to do in this great environment. You can walk around the magnificent Hug Point Waterfall if you want a short trip. On the other hand, hiking the beach from Hug Point to the north Arch Cape or Oswald West State Park to the south will offer you a longer experience. 

Hug Point is easily accessible to visitors of the Oregon Coast. It's about a 16km (10 miles) drive from Manzanita or 7-minute's drive south of Cannon Beach. In the 19th, before the creation of Highway 101, the earlier coastal visitors traveled through the beach, which was the only way then. So, the tourists and their stagecoaches had to wait for low tide and then hug the rocks to get around the point without getting wet. Hence, the name Hug Point.  

For families wanting to give their children a soothing experience, the waterfall is a favorite place for kids to have fun and can also serves as a perfect family photo background. The headland is replete with sandstone, and the pacific surf has dexterously carved out numerous explorable caves, cliffs, and tidepools, making it a scenic place to enjoy a picnic. 

If you're a lover of sea creatures, don't hesitate to peek into the tide pools to glimpse teeming starfish and anemones.

View of people on the beach, ocean, and cave at Hug Point, Oregon.


 

Stop at Neahkahnie Viewpoint

For more than 80 years, the Neahkahnie Viewpoint has been a scenic beauty for tourists. It offers a magnificent view of Oregon's 363 miles of coastline, the sky, and the beach. When driving on 101, consider stopping at Neahkahnie Viewpoint to feed your eyes with the beauties of nature. The Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook offers a great experience to every visitor. For example, you can look for whale sightings or check out the shops or beaches in Manzanita. Plus, you can hike on the mountain's summit for a better ocean view. But remember to go with your pair of binoculars for an enhanced view.

Moreso, at the main viewpoint, there're plenty of parking lots and some informational signs, signs, and legends that guide you through Neahkahnie Mountain.

View overlooking the Pacific Ocean and coastline from Neahkahanie View Point on a sunny day.


 

Look for the Arch Cape Ghost Forest

If you want to have a feel of the remnants of the past dating back as far back as 5000 years ago, you should consider making a trip to the ghost forest. These forests are awe-inspiring when you behold them. At first, they appear like a pier structure created and subsequently abandoned by people in the surf. But on a closer examination, you will quickly know that they're the eerie past of an ancient Sitka Spruce Forest buried under the sand for centuries. 

What still baffles the mind of many is how these stumps exist. One popularly known explanation is that they were buried beneath the sand for millennials and, as a result, were not affected by the decaying impact of the oxygen and also not flushed out of existence by the tides. However, some of the larger stumps have been eroded, creating a pool where you can occasionally see sea creatures, including small fish and crabs, waiting for the tide to drift back and take them back to their abode. 


 

Make a Trip to Cove Beach

As one of the best-kept secret in the whole state, Cove Beach is a sweet spot to enjoy the beauty of nature undisturbed. Hiding behind a forested area north of Cape Falcon, the unavailability of signage along the coast makes it difficult for people to locate it, contributing to their pristine and quiet state.  

Cove Beach is more beautiful and magical than others; it instantly welcomes visitors with an overwhelming peace of mind as you experience the immensity of the horizon in front of you. You might wonder whether you stepped foot on another planet at Cove Beach. It's adorned with dark and well-rounded stones and an impressive rock formation at each beach. If you need a place where you want to reconnect with your soul and have a quiet time, Cove Beach is an ideal place for you.

Beautiful sunset, ocean, and rock formations at Cove Beach Oregon.


 

Hike the Oregon Trail

At every bend, the beauty of the 362 -mile coastline unfurls along the Oregon Coast Trail. There is a lot you can do while hiking in Oregon. For instance, you can meander through the forest-shaded corridor, cross sandy beaches or even traverse the headlands and explore 28 coastal towns. 

One good thing about hiking the Oregon Trail is that most of the route is on the beach; however, some segments pass through state parks or public land. 

View of empty crab shells while hiking along the flat sandy beach on the Oregon Coast Trail.


In conclusion, many people prefer Arch Cape Oregon tourism because of its tranquil nature. Therefore, Arch Cape should be your go-to Oregon Coast destination if you desire to spend some time away from the crowd. 

When you're planning a vacation in Arch Cape Oregon, one of the first things you need to do is find a comfortable place to stay. Choosing Beachcombers NW for your accommodation will make your trip relaxing and stress-free. Contact us today!

 

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