After our exploration of Warrenton and Seaside our next stop was Ecola State Park located between Seaside and Cannon Beach, OR.
As you will note from the following series of photographs our day at Ecola State Park’s Indian Beach started off with clouds and rain.
Surfers welcomed the waves created by the storm
The rain didn’t bother the surfers who were sure to get wet anyway, but hiking in the rain can create some challenges. We were not to be deterred however.
Other adventurers also wanted to experience the more dour mood the ocean would offer this morning.
A number of beach lovers were attracted to the stormy shore
And there was enough wind and surf to accomodate those seeking the more somber beach experience.
The grey day gave a more severe appearance to the rock formations
We decided to investigate the beach area while the rain was only a drizzle as we did not know what the rest of the day would portend. We came across this sign which is not one seen on most of our hikes.
A sign not seen on a normal hiking day
In spite of the weather or perhaps because of it, the beach scene was starkly beautiful.
The cliffs and shore radiated their stark, stormy beauty
Most of the gulls tolerated the humans and did not scurry until a relatively close approach.
Seagulls seemed to be enjoying the misty morning on the beach
The sand was covered in a palette of light browns which played well against the darker brown and black rocks.
The storm induced palette of browns and blacks was attractive
Here the barnacles added texture to the rugged rocks.
Barnacles added texture to the rocky outcroppings
I can’t say whether or not these anemones would be as pretty on a brighter, drier day, but they were jewel-like in their emerald green tones.
Emerald colored anemone among the rocks
After wandering along the beach, we decided to take a seaside hike. The description of the Clatsop Loop sounded appealing with a promise of a potential sighting of the Tillamook Rock Light (lighthouse). While we like hiking in general, the trips we enjoy most are those which have us close to the sights and sounds of nature. We did not realize the the Clatsop Loop trail would take visitors along an access road uphill. The footing was good, but we prefer wooded, non-paved terrain.
The one snap I did take along our hike uphill, was of this radiant fern among the other green vegetation and forest floor mulch.
A radiant fern seen along the Clatsop Loop Trail
The return part of the loop was much more picturesque as parts were near the shoreline or through the woods. We arrived back at the trailhead and were once again drawn to experience the changeable atmosphere of the ocean on this morning.
PS – The fog and cloudy day precluded any view of the lighthouse from the trail.
An abundance of large rocks along the shoreline
Gulls continued to enjoy the stormy morning
Read more about Ecola State Park HERE
Read more about the Clatsop Loop Trail HERE
**********
Read previous posts about our adventures hiking and exploring in Oregon:
Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 1
Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 2
Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 3
Adventures in Oregon: Warrenton to Seaside
Read more Hiking and Exploration posts HERE
**********
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
©Jeffrey B. Ross – 2017 – JBRish.com
