Ambling Around Arch Cape - Discoveries on N. Oregon Coast

Published 04/11/21 at 6:25 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – One tiny town; lots to do and see. In fact, this little place on the north Oregon coast isn't really a town. It's an unincorporated community. (Above: the other side of the arch at Arch Cape)

A couple of miles south of Hug Point (just south of Cannon Beach) you'll encounter the lovely little beach interlude known as Arch Cape. It's a wee village that consists of a few homes and one or two businesses right on 101. But mostly it's a couple of beach accesses hidden behind some neighborhood streets - and it's one truly romantic beach walk.

This broad, sandy beach reaches north all the way to near Hug Point (which is totally accessible at low tide after a two-mile walk from the southernmost entrance of Arch Cape.) It varies in terrain along those two miles, but mostly is typified by a large tract of polished, rounded stones and varying amounts of sand. Along the way is Shark Creek, where the walkability (depending on the tide) can get difficult, as you're largely left with the stony stuff to tread on. Not easy. But closer to Hug Point, it gets mostly sandy and effortless.

The arches before they fell, courtesy Cannon Beach History Museum

The teensy weensy north Oregon coast spot got its name because of a set of arches that stood around the corner of the southernmost access. A large rock structure contained an almost spider web-like formation of arches. They were large enough that ambulances drove through them, but they crumbled in the mid-century, leaving just one arch.

You can still see that remaining arch if the edge of Cape Falcon (or the southernmost tip of town) is opened by tides, but they don't always allow that. Normally, it's a rather raucous place and too dangerous to go around.

When that structure fell, it left a host of boulders which now house bundles of tidepools.

During the summer, sand levels often get high enough to keep the tide pushed well back, and then it's safe to wander the other side and check what seems a very deserted beach.

This is a bit of a secret paradise. Below you'll find plenty of lodgings in or around it.

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

STAYING IN ARCH CAPE

The Inn at Arch Cape. Truly get away from it all in tiny, laidback Arch Cape. Historic gem, 100 years old. Updated rooms w/ flat panel TV, WiFi, fireplace made of beach rock, full kitchen, terrycloth robes, Esa spa toiletries, and a rain-head shower and pebble floor. Some units are pet friendly, while others completely pet-free. Firewood provided. Community deck: chairs, a picnic table and an outdoor grill. 31950 W. Ocean Lane. Arch Cape, Oregon. (503) 436-2082. Website here.- Book now

Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals. Over 80 vacation homes to choose from, all in Cannon Beach or Arch Cape. Massive, grandiose homes with historic character to brand new; even condos near beach. All oceanfront or very close. Sleep as many as 12. Highlights include garden areas, clawfoot tub, hot tubs, decks, a solarium and maybe even an electric organ. Some homes are in a condo complex w/ swimming pool. Many, many pet friendly. 164 Sunset. Cannon Beach, Oregon. 503-436-0940. 866-436-0940. www.visitcb.com

Beachcomber Vacation Homes, Cannon Beach. Numerous vacation rentals in the Cannon Beach area, including Falcon Cove and Arch Cape. All homes have full kitchens, most with wi-fi, TV's, washer/dryer, and some are oceanfront and/or pet friendly. Depending on the home, you may find barbecue, claw foot tub, a ship's ladder, views of the estuary at Cannon Beach, granite counters, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and even a solarium. Some homes sleep as many as eight. 115 Sunset Blvd. Cannon Beach (6 miles from Seaside, Oregon). 855-219-4758. 503-436-4500. Website.

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