Just about an hour west from Portland in Ecola State Park you'll find Indian beach. It's a 5 dollar fee to get into the park, but that fee also keeps the crowds out. Once you get into the park just follow the signs to Indian beach just a little ways down the road.

This beach is filled with surfers, but its super fun to watch and they mainly stay on one end of the beach. On a warm day the water isn't freezing cold and definitely worth a dip in. There are some rocks on the left of the beach that are fun to climb around and explore also.

There is also some hiking you can do, the trailhead starts up by the parking lot. Its called the Clatsop Loop trial and is roughly 2.6 miles round trip. A fairly easy hike with some great viewpoints along the outer edge of the loop. There are bathrooms up at the halfway point at Hikers camp, you can always backpack in there.

Super relaxed beach overall and with just a little fee you can escape the crowds! A beach that is well worth checking out, pick a warm day and head on out.