Oregon's most iconic coastal destination features the 235-foot Haystack Rock sea stack rising from the Pacific. The charming art gallery town behind the beach has excellent restaurants and boutique hotels.
Cannon Beach is a small coastal town on the northern Oregon coast in the United States, approximately 130 kilometres west of Portland, and home to one of the most visually dramatic beaches in the Pacific Northwest. The centrepiece is Haystack Rock, a 72-metre (235-foot) basalt sea stack that rises directly from the surf zone at the southern end of the main beach. At low tide it is surrounded by an extensive tidal pool system designated as a Marine Garden under Oregon state law, hosting ochre sea stars, purple sea urchins, hermit crabs, and shorebirds including the tufted puffin from spring through summer. The sand is dark grey to charcoal, composed of volcanic basalt particles characteristic of the Oregon coast, giving the beach a moody, dramatic quality distinct from warmer-toned Pacific beaches to the south.
The beach extends approximately five kilometres north and south from Haystack Rock, backed by the low-rise commercial strip of Cannon Beach town and coastal Sitka spruce forest. The Pacific here is cold — 10–15°C even in summer — with consistent northwest swells generating two to five foot surf. Rip currents are common on the Oregon coast and all Oregon state beaches are unlifeguarded, making ocean swimming hazardous for most visitors. The beach faces west, fully exposed to the prevailing Pacific wind, which makes it consistently popular for kite flying and surf photography.
The atmosphere is quiet, artistically inclined, and notably authentic for a coastal tourist destination. Cannon Beach has one of the highest concentrations of independent art galleries on the Oregon coast, concentrated on Hemlock Street alongside well-regarded restaurants and boutique accommodation. The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in late May brings a brief, family-focused surge of activity. Ecola State Park immediately north provides dramatic cliff-top trails overlooking the beach and access to the remote Crescent Beach below the headland.
Beach access is free, with parking available in the Hemlock Street corridor and several free town lots within short walking distance. Dogs are permitted year-round but must be leashed between 10pm and 10am from June through August. Visiting Haystack Rock at low tide for tidal pool exploration is the defining experience and requires checking Oregon Coast tidal charts in advance.
Amenities
- tide pool exploration
- restaurants
- galleries
- dog-friendly
- kite flying
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, couples, dog-owners, wildlife-watchers, beachcombers
Highlights
- Haystack Rock, a 72-metre (235-foot) basalt sea stack, rises from the Pacific surf and is surrounded by tidal pools designated as a Marine Garden
- Moody dark volcanic sand stretching five kilometres, backed by coastal Sitka spruce forest and the charming art gallery town
- Tufted puffins nest on Haystack Rock from spring through early summer, drawing wildlife watchers and photographers from across the Pacific Northwest
- Ecola State Park immediately north offers dramatic cliff-top trails with sweeping views of the beach, headlands, and offshore sea stacks
- Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest in late May transforms the beach into an outdoor sculpture competition attracting thousands of spectators
Tips for visiting
- Check Oregon Coast tidal charts and arrive 1–2 hours before the lowest tide to explore Haystack Rock's tidal pools at their most accessible
- Dogs are welcome year-round but must be leashed between 10pm and 10am from June through August — check current signage at beach access points
- Summer weekends bring heavy traffic on US-26 (Sunset Highway) from Portland; arriving on a weekday or before 9am avoids both road congestion and full parking lots
- Even in July and August, fog and grey overcast are common — pack layers, as temperatures on the coast are consistently 5–10°C cooler than Portland
- The Coaster Square lots near Hemlock Street fill by 10am on summer weekends; the free Midtown lots are a short walk and almost always available
When to visit
July through September offers the driest weather on the Oregon coast, though morning fog and overcast skies remain common. Late May and early June see smaller crowds alongside the added interest of nesting tufted puffins on Haystack Rock and the Sandcastle Contest.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors touch the sea creatures at Haystack Rock?
No. Haystack Rock is a designated Marine Garden under Oregon law, and touching, collecting, or disturbing marine life is prohibited. Visitors may observe tidal pools from the sand around the base but must not climb the rock or disturb the habitat.
Is Cannon Beach safe for swimming?
The Pacific at Cannon Beach is cold (10–15°C even in summer) with consistent rip currents and no lifeguards on any Oregon state beach. Most visitors wade rather than swim. Ocean swimming is at the individual's own risk and is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.
How do visitors get to Cannon Beach without a car?
The Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) operates bus service connecting Cannon Beach to the Astoria and Seaside area. Direct public transit from Portland is limited; most visitors drive via US-26 (Sunset Highway), a 1.5-hour journey under normal conditions.
What makes Cannon Beach different from other Oregon coast destinations?
Cannon Beach combines exceptional natural scenery — Haystack Rock, misty headlands, dark volcanic sand — with a genuine arts community and high-quality independent restaurants and accommodation. This cultural depth is rare on the Oregon coast and distinguishes it from more purely recreational beach towns.