Hug Point just reopened after months of erosion repairs, and the stairway down to the beach is only a temporary fix

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Hug Point near Cannon Beach has one of the strangest stretches of coastline in Oregon, and it just reopened after months of closure. The catch? The stairway down to the sand is a short-term fix, and the permanent one doesn’t have funding yet.

Heavy rain and king tides last November wrecked the beach-access stairway and chewed into the cliff, and long-standing drainage problems around the parking area made things worse. The park came back online in early September 2026 once repairs were done.

What’s fixed, and what isn’t

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Lauren Wirtis described the reopening this way: the park is open now that it has fresh paving, improved drainage, and a short-term fix for the stairway. Think of it as phase one.

The long-term work is still on the wish list. A lasting fix for the beach access area, plus a new stairway or another way down, needs design, permitting and construction, and the agency says it doesn’t currently have the budget for it. Check with OPRD before you drive out, especially after a big storm.

What you’re actually coming for

Hug Point sits about five miles south of Cannon Beach, and a short walkway leads from the forested picnic area to the beach. From there the headland does the talking: a seasonal waterfall, sandstone caves, tide pools, and a roadbed chipped right into the rock with old wheel ruts still visible.

That road is the whole reason for the name. Around the turn of the 20th century, someone carved it into the headland so travelers could reach Arch Cape without driving the beach, and the point was a place where you literally had to hug the rocks to stay dry.

The out-and-back walk is about 1.2 miles round trip and rated easy, but you’re on sand and rock, so expect slower going than that number suggests. Because the waterfall is seasonal, don’t count on a big show every visit. The caves and the carved road keep their drama year-round.

Plan around the tide

Here’s my one firm opinion: go on a falling tide, early in the day. You get the caves and the old road while there’s still room to wander, and you beat the crowd that shows up once the sun is out.

Tide timing isn’t just about access. OPRD warns it’s possible to become stranded by the incoming tide when exploring the point, so look up tide information before you head out and keep an eye on the water the whole time.

Know before you go

Drones aren’t allowed at Hug Point, which protects nesting shorebirds. Otherwise, pack for coastal weather and give yourself time, because this is a place you’ll want to wander slowly.

Making a day of it? The north coast has plenty more within easy reach, and our guide to 11 stunning things to do on the north Oregon coast is a good place to start. So which are you chasing first, the caves or the carved road? Tell us in the comments.

Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.

Rules and fees change — always confirm current requirements before you go.

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