Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Fun in Arch Cape, Oregon - Beachcomber Vacation Homes

Just eight minutes south of Cannon Beach, down Highway 101 (hwy 101), Arch Cape, Oregon, waits, ready to welcome outdoor enthusiasts with open arms. Whether you’re a lover of landscape photography, hiking, beachcombing (see what we did there?), or you just want to explore more of the rugged Pacific coast while you’re here, it’s a location that delivers on every level.
Experience everything from giant rock formations to ancient hidden forests when you follow our ultimate guide to outdoor fun in Arch Cape, Oregon. A day here is the perfect addition to your Cannon Beach vacation, so let’s check out all there is to do!

Hug Point

At low tide, Hug Point is a fantastic spot for families, especially those with young kids. Aptly named from the days when early settlers and travelers had to “hug” the rocks to get around the cape when the water went out, the area is filled with things to explore.
Climb through caves cut from years of crashing waves and squeeze through rock formations that connect to hidden wonders. Thanks to the frequent rains the area sees, the waterfall at Hug Point gently cascades down to the beach, creating tide pools that kids will love splashing around in. Search for seashells, starfish, and sea anemones, and see what marine creatures you can uncover.
Visiting the Hug Point State Recreation Site requires you pay close attention to tide conditions, so be sure to check before heading out. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon here during your Cannon Beach vacation.

Ghost Forests

Between Hug Point and Oswald West State Park to the south, another low-tide marvel can be found dotting the shoreline. After wild storms ravaged the coast in the early 2000s, sand erosion led to the uncovering of hundreds of barnacle-ridden ancient Sitka Spruce tree stumps, creating what’s known as a Ghost Forest.
The jagged wood, preserved by the saltwater, extends into the surf and, from a distance, looks like a dilapidated structure. It’s not until you get up close that you can truly experience the magic of this wonder. Dating back over 4,000 years, these trees are a prehistoric treasure, and seeing them connects you to a time before humans had even developed writing. Again, be sure to keep an eye on the tides before heading out so you can have the best chance at spotting this unique North Oregon coast feature.

Oregon Coast Trail
 

The Oregon Coast Trail stretches over 300 miles from north to south. When it comes to outdoor fun in Arch Cape, taking time to explore part of this famed trek is a must.
Two popular hikes in the Arch Cape branch of the trail are:

• Arch Cape to Short Sand Beach – This stretch winds through dense forests and over rocky peaks, ending with sweeping views of crashing waves before you make your way down to the beach. Along the path, you’ll cross wooden bridges that extend deep into the woods, creating stunning photo ops.
• Arch Cape to Devil’s Cauldron—This moderately difficult piece of the OCT is great for mountain bikers and slightly more experienced hikers. It can take about 4 hours to complete, so make sure you come prepared with plenty of water and snacks. The secluded path gives you a chance to connect with nature and rewards you with a view of the churning waters of Devil’s Cauldron from the top.

Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, and plenty of other Clatsop County communities offer exceptional hiking, so whether you’re sticking around your Beachcomber vacation rental or exploring the surrounding areas, you’re guaranteed to find some outdoor fun during your stay.  

Castle Rock

Formed many millions of years ago by volcanic lava flows, Castle Rock is one of several iconic rock formations for which the Oregon coast is known. The basalt formation resembles an old castle turret, thus its unique moniker. For the best views of this mini-Haystack rock, follow signs to Arch Cape beach access. Visit at sunset for gorgeous, silhouetted snapshot opportunities.

Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint

An excellent way to enjoy outdoor fun in Arch Cape is to hit the scenic highways and byways. Not only is this a great option for folks who may not be able to do the more physical outdoor activities, but it’s also something you can do regardless of weather and tides.
If you find yourself on the 101, be sure to stop at Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint for incredible sights. And if you are interested in hiking, there’s plenty of parking and informational signs that will guide you through the mountain trail to the summit. Be sure to bring your binoculars so you can experience the full force of the expansive coastline.

Get to Know Arch Cape When You Visit Cannon Beach
 

Featured Property: Gone Coastal
Beyond Cannon Beach, the communities along the Oregon Coast offer tons of opportunities to get out and explore. With this guide to outdoor fun in Arch Cape, we hope you can enjoy more during your visit. And now that you’ve added some of these top to-dos to your itinerary, the only thing left is to book your vacation rental!
At Beachcomber Vacation Homes, we have gorgeous rentals that are perfect for every family. From cottages to oceanfront homes, our team can help you find the ideal spot. Browse our available Cannon Beach vacation rentals and book your trip directly with us for the best rates and service in the area!