Ah, Hug Point—where history, nature, and adventure collide in one perfectly scenic, slightly salty destination.
Located just south of Cannon Beach, this little slice of heaven has more to it than meets the eye. Sure, you’ve got your sandy beaches, crashing waves, and the occasional seagull trying to steal your snack, but Hug Point’s charm goes way beyond that. We’re talking hidden waterfalls, caves, and a road carved straight out of a mountain. Oh, and did I mention you have to time your visit with the tides or risk getting stranded? Yeah, this place is not your average beach stop.
A Road Through Time (Literally)
Let’s rewind to the early 1900s. Back in the day, before Highway 101 became the go-to route along the coast, Hug Point was a vital piece of the puzzle for anyone traveling between towns. Imagine you’re in a Model T, cruising along the rugged Oregon coastline (but, like, without any actual roads). The solution? Cut a road right into the mountainside. And that’s exactly what they did. Hug Point’s signature “road” was carved directly out of the rock so that travelers could, quite literally, hug the point of the cliff and continue their journey. It wasn’t exactly a smooth ride, though—horse-drawn carriages and early cars had to wait for low tide to pass safely, since the road sits right on the edge of the beach. Now, fast forward a century or so, and while you won’t need a horse-drawn carriage anymore (unless you’re into that sort of thing), the road is still there, etched into the mountain like a memory of days gone by.
Timing is Everything Here’s where things get fun:
Hug Point is only accessible at low tide. That’s right, if you show up at high tide, you’ll be greeted by water, water, and—oh, look!—more water. So, before you pack up your beach towels and hit the road, check those tide charts. You’ll want to plan your visit carefully because getting stuck behind the incoming tide might sound adventurous, but trust me, it’s not the kind of adventure you’re looking for. Once you’ve timed it right, though, Hug Point is like a treasure waiting to be discovered. You can stroll along the old road, imagining what it must have been like back in the day, and then, just a few steps away, there’s a magical waterfall cascading down onto the beach. And if that’s not enough, explore the nearby caves, which feel like secret hideaways straight out of a pirate movie (minus the pirates, of course).
A Hug Worth Getting
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who likes to take ridiculously good beach photos, Hug Point has something for everyone.
You’ll leave with a sense of awe, a camera roll full of jaw-dropping shots, and maybe a slight sunburn if you’re not careful.
So, next time you’re road-tripping down the Oregon coast, don’t just breeze by this hidden gem. Hug the coastline (literally), explore a bit of history, and soak in one of the most unique spots on the PNW shoreline. Just remember: tides wait for no one—so don’t miss your chance to hug the point!