Hiking the Indian Beach Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
The Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park is a beautiful trail that runs along the rugged Oregon Coast between Ecola Point on the southern end and Indian Beach to the north.
That being said, the Indian Beach Trail can begin from either of these two points, but Ecola Point is often seen as the most popular starting point, as hiking from north to south just isn’t as rewarding since Indian Beach can be driven to.
This is all to say that the Indian Beach Trail is the better of the two day hikes within Ecola State Park for beautiful coastal views along the dramatic sea cliffs. However, to see a full breakdown of my thoughts between both day hikes within the park, I highly recommend reading the section below.
Crescent Beach vs. Indian Beach Trail
Personally, I prefer the Crescent Beach Trail over the Indian Beach Trail because the hike takes you down to a secluded stretch of the Oregon Coast, where the only people you will encounter are other hikers.
However, Indian Beach—like Ecola Point—is a drive-up location, meaning that hiking the trail between Ecola Point and Indian Beach feels less rewarding because you end near the Indian Beach day-use area, a place that makes more sense to drive to if you’re trying to explore as much of the Oregon Coast as possible within a limited timeframe.
Now, I don’t want to discourage anyone from hiking the Indian Beach Trail, as the hike offers far more panoramic coastal views along the rugged sea cliffs compared to the Crescent Beach Trail, but I thought it would be best to share my thoughts if you’re trying to decide between the two.
Read My Separate Post: Crescent Beach Trail
Indian Beach Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Indian Beach Trail is located in a large parking lot for Ecola Point, as well as the Crescent Beach Trail.
There is a small fee to visit in Ecola State Park, but the fee is good for all destinations within the park that you may want to visit.
Google Maps Directions: Indian Beach Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Indian Beach Trail
On account of landslides altering the course of the original trail, the hike from Ecola Point to Indian Beach has since been rerouted into the trail that you see in this post.
After the bridge, the Indian Beach Trail transitions into a natural hiking surface, which may become muddier in the wetter winter months.
At the first viewpoint, you can see the erosion along the cliffs, which is more prone to sliding during periods of wet weather.
Landslides like this is why the original Indian Beach Trail was altered into what it is today.
Overall, the Indian Beach Trail is almost entire uphill until the middle of the trail, regardless of which trailhead you start from.
However, from the middle of the trail to either beach, the hike will be entirely downhill, as the trail acts as one big hill to climb up and over.
Don’t step on the slugs!
As the trail nears Indian Beach, the views start to open up in every direction.
Just before the beach, there is a split for both the parking lot and the Indian Beach.
Go left to reach the end of the trail.
Indian Beach
At the end of the trail, the beach opens up in every direction.
Indian Beach makes for a great place to explore, it’s popular among surfers, and it’s simply a great place to sit back and relax!
Overall, Indian Beach wasn’t nearly as busy as Ecola Point, in my experience.
More Oregon Coast Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oregon Coast adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Overall, the Oregon Coast has a fairly mild climate year-round, with beautiful summers and temperatures that seldom get below the upper 30s come winter.
That being said, there are a few things to know before venturing out on some of the many trails along the coast.
First, Pacific Poison-oak is found on trails up and down the Oregon Coast, which is why it’s important to learn how to identify it before hiking any trail.
Additionally, there are black bears on the Oregon Coast, and while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Disclaimer
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