Full-Day Oregon Coast Tour from Portland: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Oswald State Park & Manzanita Cliffs
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable walking on uneven beach and short forest trails.
Overview
A full-day coastal escape from Portland that pairs Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach with short forest walks at Oswald State Park and dramatic Manzanita cliffs. Ideal for anyone who wants a taste of Oregon’s shorelines without deep hiking.
Full-Day Oregon Coast Tour from Portland: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Oswald State Park & Manzanita Cliffs
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The windshield frames the coast before you see it — a white line where surf meets sky, then the first hulking silhouette of Haystack Rock rising like an island struck free from a cliff. By the time the van eases onto Cannon Beach’s shoulder, gulls wheel and the air tastes faintly of salt and kelp. The tour unfolds like a coastal sampler: a seaside town with tidy storefronts, a glass of local wine within reach, and short walks through cathedral-like Sitka spruce groves that open to beaches of cobbled basalt and sand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Watch the tides
Low tide reveals tidepools and starfish — check the schedule and listen to your guide before walking on rocks.
Layer for wind and spray
Bring a windproof outer layer; coastal weather can be significantly colder and gustier than inland Portland.
Footwear matters
Choose waterproof shoes with good grip for sandy, rocky and driftwood-strewn sections of beach.
Bring a small pack
A daypack with water, snacks, camera, and binoculars keeps your hands free during short walks and viewpoints.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Gray whale (seasonal offshore migration)
- Harbor seal
History
The coast’s cliffs and sea stacks are the product of ancient lava flows and uplift; the region is also traditional territory of the Tillamook and other coastal tribes who harvested fish and shellfish here for centuries.
Conservation
Stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing tidepools, and pack out everything—coastal ecosystems are fragile and slow to recover from trampling.
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Adventure Hotspots in Portland, OR
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm and dry against coastal wind and spray.
Sturdy waterproof walking shoes
Protects feet on sand, slippery rocks and driftwood.
Daypack with water and snacks
Carries essentials for the full-day outing and short hikes.
Binoculars or long lens camera
Great for spotting seabirds, harbor seals, or migrating whales from cliff viewpoints.