Cannon Beach

State: Oregon. Type: coastal resort town in Clatsop County. 2020 census population: 1,489. Home to Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack. Named for an 1846 naval cannon from the wrecked USS Shark, washed ashore and rediscovered in 1898. Named among National Geographic's world's 100 most beautiful places in 2013.

Cannon Beach is a small coastal town on the northern Oregon Coast, built around one of the state's most photographed landmarks: Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack rising directly from the sand. The area was originally home to the Tillamook people, and the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through in 1805-1806. The town's name comes from a naval cannon that washed ashore from the wrecked schooner USS Shark in 1846 and was rediscovered decades later, in 1898. Today Cannon Beach functions primarily as a tourist and weekend-getaway destination, drawing heavily from the nearby Portland metro area, and its recognition among National Geographic's 100 most beautiful places in 2013 cemented its reputation nationally. Beyond Haystack Rock, the town has built a broader identity around art galleries, a walkable small-town core, and access to nearby state parks with hiking and coastal viewpoints. Its warm-summer Mediterranean-type climate, with no average monthly temperature above about 72°F, gives it a notably mild, fog-influenced character typical of the Oregon Coast.

Cannon Beach is located in Clatsop County on Oregon's northern coast, roughly two hours west of Portland via U.S. Highway 26 and U.S. Route 101. The town sits directly on the Pacific shoreline, with Haystack Rock as its most visible landmark.

Cannon Beach has a warm-summer Mediterranean-type climate typical of the northern Oregon Coast, with no average monthly temperature above 71.6°F even in summer, and mild, wet winters. Coastal fog and marine influence keep temperatures moderate year-round compared to inland Oregon.

Summer offers the mildest, driest weather and the lowest tide windows for viewing Haystack Rock's tidepools, but also the biggest crowds. Fall is promoted locally as a 'magic season' combining fewer visitors with comfortable weather. Low tide, especially in summer, is the best time to approach Haystack Rock's base for tidepooling.

The Cannon Beach area was originally home to the Tillamook people prior to European American settlement. The Lewis and Clark Expedition explored the region in 1805-1806 as part of its Pacific coast survey. The town's name derives from a cannon that washed ashore in 1846 from the wrecked U.S. Navy schooner USS Shark; the cannon was lost to the sands for decades before being rediscovered in 1898. The town subsequently developed into a resort community, and by the 21st century had become one of the Oregon Coast's most recognized tourist destinations, receiving international recognition when National Geographic included it among the world's 100 most beautiful places in 2013.

Visiting Haystack Rock for tidepooling and bird-watching at low tide is the town's signature activity; the rock's small cave system is visible from shore and it hosts nesting seabirds, including tufted puffins in season. Hiking is popular at nearby Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park, both known for coastal viewpoints and trails. The town itself has a walkable gallery and shopping scene, plus surfing, cycling, and whale-watching opportunities depending on season.

Haystack Rock is the town's central landmark and tidepool destination. Ecola State Park, just north of town, offers dramatic coastal viewpoints and trailheads. Oswald West State Park, to the south, is known for old-growth forest trails leading to secluded beaches. The town's gallery district anchors its walkable downtown core.

Cannon Beach is reached via U.S. Highway 101 along the coast, connecting to U.S. Highway 26 for the roughly two-hour drive from Portland. There is no airport in the town itself; visitors generally drive in, though some bus connections, including the NorthWest POINT service, link Cannon Beach to Portland.

The beach itself is accessible at all hours as public shoreline. Individual businesses, galleries and the Chamber of Commerce visitor center each keep their own hours, which vary seasonally; check specific listings before visiting.

There is no fee to access Cannon Beach's public shoreline or to view Haystack Rock. Nearby state parks (Ecola, Oswald West) may charge day-use parking fees typical of the Oregon State Parks system; confirm current rates with Oregon State Parks before visiting.

A day trip from Portland allows time to see Haystack Rock and walk the town, while an overnight or weekend stay suits visitors wanting to add Ecola or Oswald West State Park hikes and a more relaxed pace.

The town offers a full range of lodging including hotels, motels, and inns, oceanfront properties, vacation rentals, bed & breakfasts, RV parks and camping, with pet-friendly options widely available, per the local tourism association.

Cannon Beach's dining scene features Pacific Northwest-focused restaurants alongside coffee shops, bars, pubs and breweries, and the town is part of a regional North Coast Food Trail and Craft Beer Trail promoted by area tourism.

Ecola State Park lies just north of town with coastal viewpoints and trails. Oswald West State Park sits to the south with old-growth forest and beach access. The wider northern Oregon Coast, including other beach towns along Highway 101, is easily reached for visitors extending their trip.

There is no airport in Cannon Beach; Portland International Airport, roughly two hours away, is the nearest major air gateway. Bus service, including the NorthWest POINT route, connects Cannon Beach to Portland for visitors without a car, though most visitors drive.

Sneaker waves are a genuine hazard on the Oregon Coast, so visitors should stay well back from the waterline, especially near rocks, and never turn their back on the ocean. Tidepooling at Haystack Rock should be done only during low tide and by respecting the rock's protected marine garden status, avoiding climbing on the rock or disturbing wildlife. Dial 911 for emergencies.

Layered clothing and a wind/rain-resistant jacket suit the coast's mild but often breezy, foggy or damp conditions. Sturdy shoes with good grip help on wet, uneven tidepool rocks, and a tide chart or app is useful for timing a Haystack Rock visit.

Check tide tables before visiting Haystack Rock, since the best tidepooling and closest rock access happens at low tide. Book accommodations well ahead for summer weekends, given the town's popularity as a Portland-area getaway. Pairing a Cannon Beach visit with Ecola or Oswald West State Park adds hiking and viewpoints to a beach-focused day.

Dial 911 for emergencies. The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce operates the town's visitor center for non-emergency visitor questions.

Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cannonbeach.org

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.