Hug Point Reopened Near Arch Cape: A Winter Tide Guide
Andrea Mace October 22, 2026
Andrea Mace October 22, 2026
November 2026
One of the North Oregon Coast's most beloved beaches is welcoming visitors again! After nearly a year of closure due to erosion and unsafe beach access, Hug Point State Recreation Site reopened in September 2026, just in time for Labor Day weekend.
Located between Cannon Beach and Arch Cape, Hug Point is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, sea caves, seasonal waterfall, and a fascinating piece of Oregon Coast history.
Before Highway 101, travelers used the beach as a roadway, navigating rocky headlands according to the tides.
In the early 1900s, a narrow road was carved into the rock around Hug Point, allowing stagecoaches and early automobiles to pass at low tide. Travelers had to literally hug the point to get around it.
Legend has it that a local man's new Maxwell automobile became stranded in the surf around 1920, inspiring him to help fund improvements to the passage. Whether entirely true or not, the story is part of Hug Point's colorful history.
You can still see remnants of the old roadway and wheel ruts etched into the rock today.
Following erosion damage that closed the park in November 2025, Oregon State Parks completed several improvements:
The park reopened in September, although the stairway repairs are considered temporary. A longer-term solution is still being evaluated.
Hug Point is especially beautiful at low tide, when visitors can explore its sea caves, waterfall, and historic roadway.
However, the same tides that shaped its history still require caution. The rocky headland can become impassable as the tide rises, potentially leaving visitors stranded.
This winter's Oregon King Tides are predicted for:
These exceptionally high tides offer a dramatic reminder of the ocean's power, but they're best observed from a safe distance.
Before visiting, check the Oregon State Parks Hug Point page for current conditions and access information.
Hug Point is one of those places that captures what makes the North Oregon Coast so extraordinary: natural beauty, fascinating history, and a landscape that is constantly changing.
For those of us fortunate enough to call this area home, it's a reminder of why protecting and appreciating our coastline matters.
Whether you're exploring the area for the first time or considering making Cannon Beach or Arch Cape your home, I'm always happy to share a little local knowledge.
Andrea Mace, REALTOR®
Realty ONE Group Prestige
oregonbeachrealtor.com | 503-440-4024
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