Indian State Beach is nestled within Ecola State Park, located on the south side of Tillamook Head, just across from Seaside Cove. It's a pretty place with a mix of rocky and sandy areas, right at the mouths of Ecola and Canyon creeks. This beach is known for its lovely sand-and-gravel bar formations, which create some decent peaks for surfers looking to catch waves. During the summer, it draws in a lot of surfers and families, making it a popular spot for those looking to enjoy the ocean.
The surf here can be a bit hit or miss. It works best with a southwest swell and can handle sizes around 2 feet (about 0.6 meters). You’ll find both left and right breaks, with the waves typically breaking over boulders and sand. Ideal conditions happen at any tide, whether it's low, mid, or high, but you'll often get the cleanest waves during mid to high tides. The wind coming from the northeast helps keep the water nice and glassy, especially on those slightly cloudy summer days. Just be mindful that you shouldn't expect super long rides here, unless you're lucky enough to catch one of those epic days.
This beach is also a pretty cool spot for a surf check during the summer, as you'll often find it relatively sheltered from the prevailing northwest winds. You can pay $3 to get into the park, and if the waves aren't looking good, you've got about 10 minutes to leave and grab a refund. Plus, it's a great spot to take in the sea stacks to the south toward Cannon Beach.