One of the Trails at N. Oregon Coast's Ecola State Park Just Crumbled Into the Sea

Published 04/18/26 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – Only two weeks after the park reopened from a months-long closure, a major trail at north Oregon coast's Ecola State Park closes because of landslide issues. (Photos Oregon State Parks)

Mike Baden, spokesman for Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), said the Clatsop Loop Trail at the Cannon Beach favorite has become very dangerous – and showed pictures why.

“Oregon State Parks has closed the west section of the Clatsop Loop Trail at Ecola State Park due to significant and ongoing slope failure,” Baden told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “This portion of the trail is actively collapsing and, in several areas, has completely eroded into the ocean. Conditions are extremely hazardous, and public access is prohibited for everyone’s safety.”

There is no estimate on when it might be reconstructed and ready for hikers. There are plenty of other trails in the area as well.

“We know this closure impacts visitors who love and regularly use this trail, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while our teams assess the damage,” Baden said. “Visitor safety remains our top priority, and we ask all park guests to respect posted closures and avoid the west section of the Clatsop Loop Trail as we work to better understand the extent of the slide.”

The entire park is prone to major landslides. Large portions of it disappeared into the Pacific back in the early '60s, and when it finally reopened, a child went missing in the debris-covered park. She wasn't found for days, and this led state authorities to be more cautious about reopenings in the future.

OPRD announced on April 6 that Ecola State Park has reopened to the public after months of repair work on a landslide that shut the park down on December 11, 2025.

OPRD provided Oregon Coast Beach Connection with a series of photos documenting both the damage and the reconstruction process. See here:. Pictures of a Reconstruction: N. Oregon Coast's Ecola State Park Damage and Rework

The landslide, triggered by an atmospheric river storm, tore into Ecola Park Road and Indian Beach Road, destabilizing the ground and cutting off safe access. Engineers and geologists recommended a full closure while crews assessed the extent of the damage.

Ecola State Park is open for day-use recreation. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions and review park advisories before traveling. Check the park’s webpage, https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=136

Meanwhile, nearby Hug Point is still closed due to major drainage issues that are preventing cliff and stairway repairs.

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