About

Aerial oblique view of Ecola Point from the west

Ecola Point is a designated Marine Conservation Area

Marine Conservation Area regulatory restrictions vary by site. Ecola Point is designated as such to preserve and strengthen the ecological integrity of the site through education, monitoring, and implementation of an ecosystem-based management system. No change to fish harvest beyond baseline ODFW regulations. No take of invertebrate or marine plant harvest in the intertidal except for single mussels for recreational bait and scientific research permits*. 

Encompasses shoreline and ocean along the headland from 194 yards northeast of the tip of Bald Point to 176 yards north of Waterfall Creek to the south, encompassing beaches and nearshore rocks within the site polygon.

Features

Key Resources

Intertidal areas have typical assemblages of marine invertebrates. Sea Lion Rock, associated unnamed small rocks, and cliff face are breeding habitat for five species of seabirds including bald eagles, brown pelicans and common murres.  Steller sea lions and harbor seals use rocks in the area as haulouts.

Site Uses

The majority of visitors use the upland park area for picnicking and sightseeing. Some visitors explore tidepool areas and beachcomb.  The beaches in the area are popular surfing spots.

Access

The site is immediately adjacent to Ecola State Park, and within the park can be accessed via the Ecola Point parking area (the first of two parking areas off the main park road).  Ecola State Park can be found west of US 101 (on Ecola Park Rd.), 2 miles north of downtown Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Some of the rocky shore is accessible from Crescent Beach (which is accessed easily by way of an improved trail from the Crescent Beach parking lot).  Another way to get down to the rocky shore is via a trail, which starts out on the south side of the parking area and is approximately 1 mile long (one-way).

Management

Site Management

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages public access and recreation on the ocean shore.  This site is within OPRD Area 1 and part of the Nehalem Bay Management Unit.

Ecola Point was designated as a Marine Conservation Area in 2024. The original site proposal document can be found here:  Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Site Proposal, 2020.

Regulations

No take of shellfish and other invertebrates in the intertidal with the exception of single mussels (for bait)

Ownership

  • Submerged and submersible lands (intertidal area): Department of State Lands;
  • rocks above Mean High Water: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
  • upland is all owned by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

Plan

Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Plan Drafts

The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on Seven Rocky Habitat Management Plans

OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans.  OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, and Port Orford.   

Read the Draft Plans:

Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:

  • Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
  • Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table

Comments are due February 2, 2026

When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.

Email comments to: "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." with the title of the plan in the subject line.

Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.

Please reach out to Andy Lanier, the Marine Affairs Coordinator with any questions, comments, or to request more information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..