Cannon Beach’s history is part of Oregon’s story, spanning from Indigenous peoples and early pioneers to the present day.
Native Americans and the Arrival of Europeans
The history of Cannon Beach begins with the Tillamook people, who inhabited the area long before European explorers arrived. Anthropological and archaeological evidence suggests that the ancestors of the Tillamook had occupied this area since the 15th century.
In early 1805, William Clark and his expedition visited the area while spending the winter at Fort Clatsop, about 20 miles north near the Columbia River’s mouth.
In December of that year, two expedition members returned from a successful trade with the Tillamook near Ecola Creek. On January 10, 1806, Clark himself met and traded with the local tribe. A whale sculpture in Cannon Beach commemorates this historic event.
Settlers originally called the area Elk Creek. William Clark had named what is now Ecola Creek as “Ekoli,” derived from the Chinook word “Ehkoli,” meaning “whale.” Over time, the community adopted the name Elk Creek for both the creek and the settlement.
The town later received its current name from a cannon that washed ashore in the late 19th century. The cannon came from the US Navy schooner Shark, which sank in 1846, and it surfaced on the beach near today’s Ecola State Park in 1898. Today, the cannon is on display at the local museum. In 1922, the town officially became Cannon Beach, and Elk Creek was renamed Ecola Creek, restoring Clark’s original designation
Tsunami Flood in 1964
In 1964, the Good Friday earthquake caused a tsunami that flooded Cannon Beach. The flood destroyed the highway bridge over Ecola Creek and damaged many parts of the town, especially the northern area, where some houses were even ripped from their foundations.
After the disaster, residents started a sandcastle contest to cheer people up and bring visitors back to the town.
Modern-Day Cannon Beach
Today, Cannon Beach is a popular destination on the northern Oregon Coast. Its rich history, stunning landscapes, and endless outdoor activities attract visitors year-round.
Adventures Nearby
