Indian Beach Trail Hike in Ecola State Park, Oregon: Complete Guide + Review

Note to my fellow wanderers: This guide was written from my first-hand experiences. I try my best not to over-glamorize any location I travel to because I want HappyWander’s content to be as authentic as possible. My goal is to provide you real information so that you can have the best possible adventures wandering the world. Enjoy!

There are plenty of beautiful hikes along the Oregon Coast, but Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park is one of the most popular. That’s because the movie “The Goonies” was filmed along this section of the coast. The relatively short hike winds through a lush coastal forest before opening up to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and Indian Beach. I really enjoyed this hike because it combines peaceful forest scenery with dramatic coastal views, and it also offers the chance to explore one of the most recognizable landscapes associated with *The Goonies*, which was filmed in and around Astoria and the northern Oregon Coast.

In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking the Indian Beach Trail, including trail details, what to expect, parking information, my personal experience, tips to help you make the most of your visit, and my overall review and rating.

Want to see exactly what it’s like hiking Indian Beach Trail via Ecola State Park? Watch my full hiking video in 4k:

Indian Beach Trail Hike Overview

Indian Beach Trail is a short but scenic hike in Ecola State Park that gives you a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the northern Oregon Coast without committing to a long or strenuous trek. The trail combines forested terrain with dramatic coastal scenery and leads to Indian Beach, a picturesque stretch of shoreline surrounded by cliffs and dense evergreen forest.

What makes this hike especially memorable is the setting. Ecola State Park is known for its winding coastal trails, towering trees, ocean overlooks, and rocky shoreline, and Indian Beach offers an excellent introduction to all of these landscapes in a relatively compact hike. The scenery can change quickly as you move between the forest and coast, giving the trail more variety than its short distance might suggest.

The area also has a special connection to *The Goonies*. The movie was filmed in and around Astoria and the northern Oregon Coast, and Ecola State Park was among the locations used during filming. For fans of the movie, hiking here adds another layer of interest to an already beautiful Oregon Coast destination.

If you’re looking for an easy addition to an Oregon Coast road trip, Indian Beach Trail is a great option. It’s scenic, relatively accessible, and close to other popular destinations around Cannon Beach and Astoria, making it easy to combine with other stops in the area.

This is a map (via alltrails.com) of the route I did. 

Where to Park

If you’re going to do this hike, you’ll want to park here: Ecola Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110

However, you can drive directly to Indian Beach (if you’re wanting to skip the hike), which is located here: Ecola Park Rd, Seaside, OR 97138

Distance Traveled

While Alltrails.com says this hike is 4 miles, it was 6.1 miles for me. I did choose to walk along the road back because the actual trail annoyed me a bit through the woods. In hindsight, I probably would have taken the trail back as the road was quite steep.

How Long Does it Take to Hike?

It took me just under 2 hours to hike Indian Beach Trail via Ecola State Park, but I was moving pretty quickly. At an average pace, you can expect 2.5-3 hours.

Elevation Change

Alltrails says that this hike has 872 feet of elevation. I however, climbed up 1089 feet. I did skip doubling back on the trail and went on the road, so that might have added some elevation, but I think alltrails.com is not accurate.

Difficulty

Indian Beach Trail is a moderately challenging hike, with some elevation changes and sections that can feel more strenuous than the relatively short distance suggests. I’d give this hike a 6/10 in difficulty, particularly because the terrain can be muddy and slippery after rain.

Permits

You don’t need a hiking permit to access Indian Beach Trail, but Ecola State Park requires a day-use parking permit if you arrive by vehicle. As of 2026, the daily permit is $10 for Oregon residents or $12 for out-of-state visitors.

Cost

The hike itself is free, but you’ll need to pay the applicable day-use parking fee if you’re parking at Ecola State Park. You can purchase a daily permit at the park or online the same day.

When to Go

Indian Beach Trail can be beautiful year-round, but summer and early fall generally offer the best combination of milder weather and better trail conditions. The Oregon Coast is famously unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, wind, and changing conditions even during the warmer months.

Can you Bring Dogs?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Ecola State Park, but they must generally be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs are also allowed on most Oregon ocean beaches, although temporary wildlife restrictions can apply, so pay attention to posted signs. I did not see any dogs on the trail.

Is Indian Beach Trail Good for Kids?

Indian Beach can be a fun destination for families, but I’d use some caution with younger children because of the uneven terrain, elevation changes, and steep coastal areas. Older kids who are comfortable hiking should have no problem enjoying the trail with adult supervision. I would recommend skipping this hike if you have younger children and drive directly to Indian Beach.

Is There Any Shade on the Trail?

Yes. Much of the trail passes through dense coastal forest, providing plenty of shade from the Pacific Northwest’s towering trees. The beach and exposed coastal sections are much more open, so you’ll want to be prepared for sun once you reach the shoreline.

Are There Restrooms Near the Trailhead?

Yes, restrooms are available near the Indian Beach trailhead and parking area.

What Wildlife Can You See?

The surrounding forest and coastline support a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and marine life along the shore. You may also see seals or sea lions offshore, while larger animals such as black bears, cougars, and coyotes are present in the broader Oregon State Parks system but are much less commonly encountered. I saw a big Elk on my hike through, which was super cool.

Are There Tide Pools at Indian Beach?

Yes, Indian Beach is known for its tide pools, which are one of the attractions visitors specifically mention when planning a trip here. If you want to explore them, check the tide schedule and plan your visit around low tide rather than simply arriving whenever you hike.

Does Indian Beach Get Crowded?

Indian Beach can get busy during the summer, particularly when the weather is good, but recent visitors report that the parking area is fairly large and that the beach can still feel surprisingly uncrowded. Arriving earlier is a good idea if you want easier parking or a quieter experience.

Is Indian Beach Trail Open Year-Round?

The area is generally accessible throughout the year, but Oregon Coast storms, landslides, and other conditions can cause temporary trail or road closures. Check current Ecola State Park conditions before visiting, especially after significant storms.

Can You Surf at Indian Beach?

Yes, Indian Beach is a popular surfing area, and you’ll often see surfers in the water even outside the traditional summer season. The beach can be exposed and windy, though, so conditions aren’t necessarily ideal for casual swimming or inexperienced surfers.

Do You Need to Check the Tides Before Visiting Indian Beach?

It’s a good idea, particularly if you want to explore the beach or tide pools. Oregon State Parks specifically advises visitors to know the tide schedule and use caution around the ocean, while recent Reddit trip planning also shows visitors timing their arrival around low tide at Indian Beach.

Is Indian Beach Trail Good for a Goonies Road Trip?

Yes. Indian Beach and Ecola State Park are excellent stops to include on a Goonies-themed Oregon Coast road trip. The movie was filmed extensively in the Astoria and northern Oregon Coast area, so you can easily combine the hike with other *Goonies* filming locations nearby.

Is Indian Beach Trail Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Indian Beach Trail combines lush coastal forest, dramatic Oregon Coast scenery, and a beautiful beach in one relatively short hike, and the area’s connection to The Goonies makes it even more interesting for movie fans.

Recommended Gear

Having the right gear can make or break your hiking experience. In Oregon, preparing accordingly will help you maximize your adventure. I’ll highlight the gear that I brought hiking Indian Beach Trail in June, as well as additional gear that might benefit you:

• The Proper Clothing: In June, the weather was pleasant, even on the warm side at 75 degrees. I started with long exercise pants, and pretty quickly took them off because I had exercise shorts underneath. I also wore a short sleeve exercise shirt. I typically roll up a waterproof/windproof jacket and keep it in my pack. I also recommend wearing some thick socks so you don’t get blisters. (If it’s cold, wool are great. if it’s not cold, get something breathable)
• Hiking backpack with straps: If you don’t have a backpack with straps, I recommend you get one. They aren’t too expensive on Amazon. Your shoulders and back will thank you later.
• Portable charger: If you take a lot of photos / videos like me, you’ll want to bring a portable charger for your phone. I also use the alltrails.com app to navigate so having enough battery is important.
• Water bladder: If you want to save on weight and also help your backpack be more balanced than carrying a big bottle of water in your bag, a water bladder is important. I personally use a 3L water bladder.
• Hiking Shoes: I’d recommend waterproof hiking shoes, although it’s not too likely that it’ll be muddy on this trail. The trail is smooth until you get to the Cinder Cone (gravely-material), so it’s good to have stability that hiking shoes provide.
• Snacks: Who doesn’t like snacks? While hiking, even on a short hike like this, some organic gummy bears did the trick for me.
• Bug spray: While I didn’t encounter mosquitos on this hike, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared. I can imagine in the summer you’d find some bugs out on the trail.
• First aid kit: It’s a good idea to bring Band-Aids, a bandage, and some cut cleaning items. I have needed band-aids in the past from slipping on rocks, but I did not on this hike.
• Sunscreen: You won’t need much sunscreen because most of the hike is in the trees, but I still wore it. There are patches of sun, especially on the beach and at the starting area.
• Flashlight: If you go anytime near sunrise or sunset, I’d recommend having a flashlight.

Nice to Have Gear:

Here are a few items that would make your hiking experience even better:

• Shoe impact insoles: These can help as you traverse roots and rocks along the way.
• Phone tripod: If you go alone or with a group and want great pictures, a phone tripod is key. I use one on every hike I go on.
• DJI Osmo Action Camera: This is my go-to recording device for every hike I go on. I recorded the entire hike.

Note: This is such a short trail, you probably don’t need to bring much. I brought the above in my backpack because I was filming the hike.

The Play By Play: My Route Hiking Indian Beach Trail

So what’s it like hiking Indian Beach Trail? Read my hiking guide play by play below:

Parking

There are pretty large lots at both ends of the hike. You could theoretically start this hike at Indian Beach, which would be a cool option. If you’re like me, you like to save the “best for last” so I was fine parking on the other end.

Goonies Movie Filming Locations

Right next to the parking lot, there’s a sign that says

“This park features prominently in “The Goonies” along with locations in Astoria and Cannon Beach. The Fratelli family’s hideout, the “Lighthouse Lounge”. was temporarily constructed at Ecola Point, and Mikey used the rocky coastline here to gain clues to the location of One-Eyed Willy’s treasure.”

I am a big fan of the movie, so this was really cool to see. However, the actual location where the Fratelli Family’s hideout was built was closed due to erosion issues? You can still explore some of the cool views from the movie around this parking lot area, including this beautiful view:

Indian Beach Trail

After exploring the trails near the parking lot that take you around some of the Goonies filming areas, you’ll head down the Indian Beach Trail (the only trail you’ll take for the remainder of the hike). There’s a lot of woods hiking on this trail:

First Views of the Coast

After hiking through the woods a bit and up some elevation, you’ll get a sneak peak of the beautiful Oregon coast:

Spotting an Elk in the Woods

A lot of this hike is through the woods, which kind of surprised me given the hike is along the Oregon coast. One benefit of being in the woods for so long is being able to spot wildlife. I ran into a large Elk off the trail, which was super cool to see:

First Indian Beach Views

Some of the very best views on this hike are the first views of Indian Beach:

Here’s another video I took of someone about to go surf on Indian Beach:

Enjoying Indian Beach

After hiking through the woods for an hour or more, arriving at Indian Beach is a very welcome experience. Living on the East Coast, we do not have beaches like Indian Beach, so it was a real treat to experience. Here I am walking up to Indian Beach:

In a perfect world, this would be the end of your hike, and you could jump in your car and drive off. But this is an out and back hike, so you’ll need to traverse your way back through the woods to the starting point. If you have another person with you who doesn’t want to do the hike and can drive your car to the Indian Beach parking lot, that would be ideal so you can enjoy this beautiful beach:

Finishing the Hike

This is an out and back hike, so you’ll have to double back the way you came. I wasn’t feeling that, so I chose the next option of walking back along the road. It was much hillier than I expected, and a bit precarious with cars going by. I’d recommend sticking to the trail on your way back.

About My Experience Hiking Indian Beach Trail

Overall, the Indian Beach Trail hike had some memorable experiences along the way. Here are a few of my favorite parts, as well as parts I didn’t like:

Favorite Parts

Here are a few of my favorite parts of hiking Indian Beach Trail:

Goonies Scenes

Some of the famous Goonies movie scenes were filmed in this area, which was super cool. I liked that the park really leaned into that too.

Indian Beach

Indian Beach is really a lovely beach. It’s quite large (not compared to Cannon Beach) and a lovely reward for your hiking endeavors.

Coastal Views

There are several great coastal views along this hike, especially as you near Indian Beach.

I Saw an Elk

I saw what I believe to be was an elk in the woods. It’s a huge animal when you’re staring at it in real-life.

Least Favorite Parts

Here is my least favorite part of this hike:

The Woods

I like the woods. However, on this hike, you’ll mostly be in the woods. I was hoping it would be more along the coast for views the entire way, but it’s mostly in the woods.

Very Touristy

This is one of the more popular hikes in the area due to The Goonies movie being partly filmed here. The trail was pretty busy in early June.

Overall Score

I liked most parts of this hike, including Indian Beach, the wildlife, the amazing coastal views, and the Goonies nostalgia. The actual hike through the woods was kind of boring however. Still, I’m giving this hike a 8.9 / 10. Overall, I still recommend doing this hike, the great aspects outweigh the negatives.

Hiking Tips for Indian Beach Trail After the Fact

Here are some hiking tips for hiking Indian Beach Trail that I learned after the fact that can help you have the very best adventure:

• You can start either at the main starting point near Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (which is what I did) or you can start at Indian Beach.
• If there was a perfect way to hike this one, it would look something like this: Start at Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, hike to Indian Beach, have someone waiting for you at Indian Beach. This would remove the need to double back through the woods, and allow you to spend more time at the best area: Indian Beach.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Indian Beach Trail

Thanks for making it through my complete guide to hiking Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park. Indian Beach Trail is an iconic hike mainly due to The Goonies filming on location. However, even if they hadn’t filmed here, it’s still a beautiful coastal hike with an amazing end of hike payoff via Indian Beach. I highly recommend you explore this area, even if you don’t hike between the two sections, it’s quite beautiful.

Happy wandering to you!