• Cannon Beach is a coastline features dramatic rock formations
• The beach was listed as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the World
Cannon Beach is a beautiful coastal destination located near the city of Cannon Beach. This area is famous for its scenic seascape, broad sandy beach, impressive Haystack Rock, and other rugged rock formations. It is a perfect place for many activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, tide pooling, surfing, kite surfing, picnicking, and much more.
In 2013, National Geographic Magazine featured Cannon Beach as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the World.
Cannon Beach is connected to Tolovana Beach, so you can have an extended stroll while enjoying coastal views.
Haystack Rock is an iconic feature of the coastline. Located just off the shore, this towering 235-foot monolith offers an impressive view of the ocean with surrounding sea stacks including a series of narrow tall rocks called "The Needles". This is one of the three Haystack Rocks on the Oregon Coast. Haystack Rock near Bandon is accessible from Devils Kitchen Wayside. Another one which also called Chief Kiawanda Rock sits a mile offshore and visible from many places near Pacific City.
During high tide, you can kayak around the rocks but low tide provides an opportunity to walk to Haystack Rock and explore exposed marine life - mussels, barnacles, and sponges on rocks and, also, sea anemones, crabs, sea slugs, starfish in the tidepools.
The area around Haystack Rock is called Marine Garden because of a wide variety of the ocean flora and fauna. In addition to marine life, cliffs and seastacks are also home to a wide variety of sea birds. You can often spot puffins, black oystercatchers, and cormorants on the rocks. Both Haystack Rock and the intertidal zone are considered Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and protected by the law.
Beachcombing is a popular activity here. You can find sea shells, weathered wood, and other gifts of the ocean. Since the shore here is sandy, there aren't many rocks to find.
Surfing, kite surfing, and kayaking are great here depending on the weather. The calm ocean is perfect for kayaking, small and big waves are great for surfing while windy weather allows kite surfers to enjoy their hobby. Please, be mindful of shore the rocks in the water.
There are multiple access points to the beach with plentiful parking. In addition, the city offers plenty of lodging options, restaurants, shops, and other services for visitors.
If you want to explore Ecola State Park, you can find a trailhead on the north end of the beach.
Cannon Beach | General Description
Open: Year-round for day use
Managed by: Oregon State Park
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Activities: Beachcombing, tidepool exploring, hiking, & nature viewing
Day-use fees: None
Usage: Moderate to High
Cannon Beach affordable vacation rentals
Cannon Beach is located:
- 40 miles north of Tillamook
- 80 miles northwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Cannon Beach
From downtown Cannon Beach,
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- Head south on S Hemlock Street toward W Van Buren Street for 0.6 miles
- Turn right onto Center Street.
One of the Cannon Beach access points will be in front of you