Cannon Beach Day Trip: Haystack Rock, Tide Pools & Old-Growth Trails from Portland
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can manage short hikes on uneven ground and periods of standing on the beach.
Overview
In a single day this tour strings together old-growth forest, dramatic sea stacks and the artist town of Cannon Beach. Expect tide pools, viewpoint pulls and a close look at Haystack Rock with practical stops that reveal the coast’s human and geological history.
Cannon Beach Day Trip: Haystack Rock, Tide Pools & Old-Growth Trails from Portland
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Morning light breaks along the Northern Oregon Coast like a slow exhale. The driver eases the van onto winding Highway 101, and within an hour the forest leans away, revealing a coastline of wind-scoured sand and rock that dares you closer. At Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock rises from the surf—an immovable island that draws seabirds, photographers and people who need the vastness of the ocean to recalibrate.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Check tide tables
If tidepooling is a priority, aim for 1–2 hours before low tide for the best exposure of marine life.
Dress in layers
Coastal weather shifts quickly—pack a breathable waterproof jacket and a wind layer even on sunny days.
Respect nesting areas
Haystack Rock is a protected nesting site; stay out of roped-off zones and keep dogs away from the base.
Bring a small daypack
Carry water, snacks, a camera and a compact pair of binoculars for birdwatching from viewpoints.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tufted puffins (spring–summer)
- Harbor seals and intertidal sea stars
History
The stretch was shaped by the Pacific Northwest timber boom and was the furthest south the Lewis & Clark expedition went along the coast; maritime lore of shipwrecks and smuggling threads through local stories.
Conservation
Haystack Rock is a protected marine garden with seasonal closures for nesting birds—practice leave-no-trace and avoid collecting marine life from tide pools.
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Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Recommended Gear
Waterproof rain jacket
Quick protection against wind-driven spray and sudden coastal showers.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread for wet sand, tidepools and short forest trails.
Daypack
Carries water, snacks, layers and camera gear during stops.
Binoculars
Helpful for spotting nesting puffins, distant whales or shorebirds from viewpoints.
spring specific