Hug Point, Oregon: Beach Fun and History

Once upon a time, there were no interstate highways. Or, on parts of the Oregon coast, any highways. In many places, the only way to get from town to town was to drive on the beach.

In one place, now known as Hug Point, stagecoaches and wagons could only get through at low tide, by "hugging" the point, and they still had to get through the shallow water. So, according to Museum of the City, in 1910 a road was blasted out of the sandstone wall of Hug Point. This made the road accessible to automobiles as well as wagons.

Highway 101 was completed in 1933, and it's now the main route up and down the Oregon coast. But you can still see the old wagon road at Hug Point, and at low tide you can walk it yourself.

Hug Point State Recreation Site is located five miles south of Cannon Beach on Highway 101. From the parking lot, descend across a rocky area to the beach. Head right (north), and go around the first small headland to the next section of beach. Here, you'll see a small waterfall. Cross the stream and continue on to see the wagon road. If you want to walk on the road itself, be sure to get a tide table (available from numerous local businesses in Cannon Beach) and go at low tide (and go back well before the tide comes in).

Also on-site, you can view tidepools at low tide, and explore small caverns along the beach. If it's warm enough, stay to picnic, play in the water, or fly a kite! Restrooms are available in the parking lot, but there are no other facilities.

Nearby, you can visit Cannon Beach for boutiques, galleries, lodging and restaurants, or head south to Nehalem Bay for the nearest state park with camping.

SOURCES
Author unknown, "History of Cannon Beach," Museum of the City
Oregon Parks and Recreation, "Hug Point State Recreation Area," Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: State Parks