Pacific City - Things to Do and See
Haystack Rock
This is one of the 3 Oregon Coast Haystack Rocks. The 320-foot-high volcanic monolith sits about a mile offshore. Sometimes it is also called Chief Kiwanda Rock or Teacup Rock.
This captivating wonder of nature attracts multiple visitors to the Pacific City, even though it is often confused with other Haystack Rocks of Oregon.
The most famous Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is approximately 100 feet lower. The third one is accessible through Devil's Kitchen Wayside at Bandon.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Cape Kiwanda is a sandstone cliff that protrudes half a mile into the sea and frames the north end of the beach.
Many other sandstone cliffs on the northern Oregon coast have been eroded into sandy shorelines, but the cape remains intact, most likely due to the protection of Haystack Rock.
McPhillips Beach
McPhillips Beach is a 2-mile-long stretch of sandy shoreline located just north of Cape Kiwanda.
The landscape here is full of rock formations sitting right on the sand, steep bluffs, massive cliffs, and multiple boulders lying around.
This is a quieter alternative to the more popular southern beach, but it might get busy in peak season too.
Bob Straub State Park
Bob Straub State Park stands as a hidden gem, boasting a rich diversity of nature. It sits just a short drive south of the Pacific City and Cape Kiwanda.
The park provides access to the expansive beach, enchanting dunes, serene pine forest, wetlands, and Nestucca Bay. The area has multiple hiking trails and trails open to horseback riding.
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is a short drive from Pacific City on the southern side of Nestucca Bay. The preserve is a protected habitat for multiple animals, birds, and fish.
The area is home to 100% of the unique Aleutian Canada geese world population and 10% of dusky Canada geese.
You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and nature viewing here. Please remember that dogs are not allowed in the refuge.
7000 Christiansen Rd, Cloverdale, OR 97112, United States
541-867-4550
Sand Lake
Sand Lake Recreation Area is a dune paradise, nestled between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda, 10 miles north of Pacific City on the Three Capes Scenic Loop.
The 1,076-acre park offers access to Sand Lake, the Pacific Ocean, vast dunes, and many outdoor activities.
Dory Fleet
Dory fishing is a century-old tradition of the Pacific City. Dories are flat-bottom, shallow-draft boats and can be launched right from the sand. In addition to the ease of launch, dories also protect the salmon population.
Currently, recreational fishermen run most dories. A few commercial ones still supply salmon, Dungeness crab, ocean bottom fish, and other catch to local restaurants.
The fleet takes off at around 6 am and returns in the late afternoon. The return of the dories attracts a crowd that watches the dory operators slide their boats as far as possible up the beach toward trailers.
Surfing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding
The Pacific City area attracts surfers to the longest waves on the Oregon coast. The beaches are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts when the ocean is less ferocious.
Since dories populate the waters off the coast, please exercise extreme caution to prevent accidents.
