Cape Lookout State Park

Beautiful beaches, spectacular ocean views, and lush old-growth forest -- Cape Lookout State Park certainly has a lot to offer to visitors. And if you're planning on staying the night in this pretty park's popular campground, the best part of all is that you can bring your canine companion along for the journey.

Located approximately an hour and a half west of Portland, Cape Lookout State Park sits on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. As a result, it offers million-dollar coastal views as well as easy beach access. If you're keen to take a long and lazy walk along the beach, this is the perfect spot to do it, and this long and unspoiled stretch of sand is popular with beachcombers.

Elsewhere, more than eight miles of hiking trails wind their way through the 2,014-acre park. The Cape Lookout trail is a popular option that follows the headland for more than two miles, while a much shorter nature trail is designed to give you a closer look at the native plants and mature forests of the area.

If you're staying the night, there are several accommodation options to choose from. The campground features 38 full-hookup sites, 170 tent sites with water nearby, one electrical site with water, and two group tent camping areas. Pets are permitted in the campground, which also features 13 yurts (six of which are pet-friendly) and six deluxe cabins (three of which are pet-friendly). Of course, if you're traveling with your canine pal, you'll need to make sure that they're leashed and under control at all times, and always remember to dispose of their waste.

Day-use parking costs $5, while the cost of staying the night in Cape Lookout State Park varies depending on the type of accommodation you select. But with so much natural scenery to admire, explore, and enjoy, the cost is well worth it.