Ecola Creek Forest Loop Hike

Overview

Cannon Beach’s water supply originates in the low hills just east of the town. The forest reserve here, which encompasses the North and West Forks of Ecola Creek and their tributaries, does see some logging, but certain watersheds are protected. You can hike along the main road to stand in awe below western red-cedars that are several hundred years old. In addition, a short hiking loop takes you along a slope and then back down for a ford of Ecola Creek’s West Fork. In the fall, look for spawning coho salmon here. Ignore the stepped trail leading up the slope from the parking area: this leads directly onto private land. Instead walk past the white gate and information kiosk. The road dips, with the Sitka spruce/salmonberry bottomland of Tributary L on your left. Up to your right is a clearcut rapidly becoming choked with alders. Rise and enter spruce/hemlock woodlands with the West Fork of Ecola Creek flowing down to your left. Rise again as the clearcut reappears on the slope to your right. Pass a road leading off to the left – this will be your return from a short loop. Walk up a hill to an information kiosk and picnic table under powerlines. A small water treatment facility with ponds stands on the grassy slope below. Continue on the road as it drops close to the West Fork and passes an intake valve. After crossing the road bridge over the West Fork, you'll enter a lush coastal rain forest of Sitka spruce and western red-cedar carpeted by sword fern. Pass the small post at Elk Creek Road-Forest Loop Trail Junction to continue up the hill past a yellow gate. Look out for the huge old cedars on both sides of the road. When you reach a junction, you can go left on a dead end spur below another ancient cedar to one of the springs that is a drinking water source for the community of Cannon Beach. You can walk farther along the main road to other springs, but the junction is a good return point. Head back to the Elk Creek Road-Forest Loop Trail Junction, and go right to follow a chip trail on an old road bed.

Trail Stats

Photos

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