If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring this iconic spot along Oregon’s coastline, you’ve probably wondered what the best tide level for seeing Hug Point Falls is. Hug Point is one of the most magical spots on the Oregon Coast, where a small waterfall spills directly onto the beach, but catching it at the right time matters.
In this post I’ll walk you through exactly when to visit so you don’t miss out. You’ll learn which tide levels the waterfall is visible at, and tips to make your trip to the coast unforgettable. If you’re planning a coastal adventure (or just want those once-in-a-lifetime photos), you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Where is Hug Point?
Hug Point is a state recreation site in Northern Oregon just 8 minutes south of the town of Cannon Beach. Parking is available at the Hug Point parking lot on Beach Access Road.
Do I Need to Pay for Parking?
No, if you are parking at the Hug Point parking lot parking is free and you won’t need a permit or pass to park there. However it is a very small parking lot and can fill up quickly on warm sunny days so you may want to plan to get there early for a spot.
Best Tide Level to see Hug Point Falls
You’ll want to visit when the tides are lower, ideally around 1-2 feet, since at high tide when levels are above 3-4 feet the Hug Point Falls are inaccessible. From the parking lot you’ll go to the right end of the beach, and as long as the tide is out you can go around the corner past the small cave and be able to see Hug Point Falls. I definitely recommend making sure you go far in advance of when the tide starts to come in so that you don’t get stranded from the rest of the beach that leads back to the parking lot.
Best Time of Year to Get Married/Elope at Hug Point
If you want that gorgeous moody atmosphere complete with clouds and fog, your best bet is to visit Hug Point from late October to May. The weather starts to warm up with sunnier days happening more often from June through October. However the Oregon Coast’s weather can be very unpredictable and even in the height of summer you aren’t guaranteed a sunny day, so make sure you come prepared for rain complete with galoshes and a raincoat!
Where to Stay In Cannon Beach
Airbnbs
- Spa suite with 1 bd /full kitchen in Cannon Beach
- Modern Home with Haystack Rock Views
- Tall Woods Garden Cabin
- Entire Guest Suite in Cannon Beach
- Sandcastle Inn Guest Suite
- Gram’s Beach House
Hotels & Resorts
RV Parks & Campgrounds
Things to Do at Cannon Beach
- Check out Ecola State Park, there are so many gorgeous areas of this state park, and if you’re a Twilight movie fan go check out Indian Beach where they filmed the scenes of La Push!
- Visit the iconic Haystack Rock
- Check out the tide pools
- Go whale watching
- Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
- Hike at Oswald West State Park
- Dine out and enjoy the local seafood
Where to Eat at Cannon Beach
- Public Coast Brewing Co.
- Cannon Beach Smokehouse
- Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
- Castaway’s
- Mi Corazón
- The Bistro
- Bruce’s Candy Kitchen
- Ecola Seafoods
5 Hour Sample Hug Point Elopement Timeline
2:30pm Photographer arrives for getting ready photos
4pm First Look
4:20pm Travel from getting ready location to Ecola State Park
4:30pm Ceremony, photos with any guests in attendance
4:45pm Couples Portraits at Ecola State Park
5:15pm travel to Hug Point Parking lot
5:15pm-6:15pm Couples Portraits at Hug Point Falls and surrounding beach area
6:30pm Evening picnic on the beach (or nearby brewery) and cake cutting
7:30pm Photographer leaves
(Please note that low tide will vary day to day and that the times listed may not be an accurate time for seeing Hug Point Falls at low tide)
Final Tips for Eloping at Hug Point
- Check the tide charts before you go and plan to go at low tide
- Get married on a weekday to avoid any crowds for a more intimate elopement experience
- The best lighting will be right at golden hour- either the hour just after sunrise or the hour before sunset.
- Check the weather beforehand and come prepared for rain!
Hug Point Falls Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Hi there, I’m Olivia! An lgbtq+ affirming Cannon Beach wedding & elopement photographer based in Portland, Oregon. I’ve always been inspired by fairytales and fantasy growing up, with my work evoking that of a storybook romance come to life.
I specialize in images that truly capture the beauty of the nature around you; not only documenting events but weaving them into captivating visual stories that celebrate love in its most enchanting form.
From breathtaking landscapes to intimate, candid moments, I help couples plan their dream day in nature’s most magical settings. If you envision your day as a harmonious blend of intimacy and natural splendor, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s make your day feel like a fairytale come to life! Click here to inquire with me.
Hug Point Wedding & Elopement Packages
Elopement packages start at 4 hours of coverage at $2,500 and include a high resolution online gallery with printing rights, over 200 digital images, and no limit set on the amount of photos you will receive.
Wedding packages start at 6 hours of coverage at $3,500 and include over 300 digital images, complimentary engagement session, and high resolution images available in an online gallery with printing rights.
To see more of my packages and offerings click here.
Oregon Coast Elopement & Wedding Inspiration
Oregon Coast Elopement at Rockaway Beach
Moody Oregon Coast Elopement at Ecola State Park
Couples Session at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
Wedding & Elopement Guides
If this guide on The Best Tide Levels for seeing Hug Point Falls was useful then you may want to check out some of my other blog posts:
How to Elope on the Oregon Coast
What to Include in the Flat Lay for your Wedding Details
10 Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day
10 Steps to Take after Getting Engaged
“Olivia was an absolute joy to work with from start to finish. I’m pretty awkward on camera, so I was a bit nervous about how the photography for our wedding would go, but I immediately felt comfortable with Olivia. She’s kind and bubbly, so she fit right in with our friends and family. She made everything feel really easy and natural, and we’re so, so happy with our wedding photos.”
