The fascinating history of Hug Point, Oregon
But what makes Hug Point truly unforgettable is its history—where natural beauty and human determination meet in a story as rugged as the cliffs themselves.
A highway before highways
Before the 1920s, there was no Highway 101. Instead, stagecoaches, horse-drawn wagons, and early automobiles used the sandy beaches themselves as roads. That meant travelers had to carefully time their journeys with the tides, since a high tide could cut them off completely.
At Hug Point, the sheer basalt cliffs blocked safe passage. To continue their journey, travelers had to “hug” the headland during low tide, skirting the ocean’s edge with waves lapping at their wheels. The name stuck—Hug Point.
Hand-holds were carved into the rock for people who were walking down the beach. The way was precarious as hikers hung onto the rock wall with waves crashing below them.
The road blasted into the cliffs
Eventually, hugging the point wasn’t a realistic route. In the early 1900s, a narrow roadway was blasted directly into the cliff at Hug Point, carving a shelf of stone where wagons and the first cars could pass without being entirely at the mercy of the ocean.
Imagine the sight: early Model Ts rattling across the blasted rock ledge, ocean waves just below, drivers nervously keeping one eye on the road and the other on the tide. For many, Hug Point was both a shortcut and a thrill ride—a place where the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast collided with human ingenuity.
Of course, this daring route was temporary. By the 1930s, the modern Oregon Coast Highway 101 was completed, making travel far safer. Yet the blasted road remains one of the coast’s most fascinating historical relics.
Natural wonders at Hug Point
Beyond its transportation history, Hug Point enchants visitors with its natural treasures:
- Waterfall on the beach – a seasonal cascade pouring directly onto the sand.
- Sea caves and sandstone cliffs – perfect for exploration at low tide.
- Tide pools – brimming with sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
- Sunsets – unforgettable views where history and natural beauty meet.
- Soaring eagles: a majestic overhead experience.
It’s a place where families picnic, children splash in the stream, and beachcombers wander in awe of both history and scenery.
Stay just a quarter mile away
Today, Hug Point is part of Oregon’s State Recreation Sites—a place where visitors can step into the past while enjoying the present. And the best part? Our luxury ocean-view vacation homes are located just a quarter mile away.
It’s a rare opportunity: a place where you can step straight from the comfort of a luxury beach house into the living history of the Oregon Coast.
It’s more than a vacation—it’s a chance to stay in a place where history, beauty, and relaxation all come together.
