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    Recommended Reviews - Haystack Rock

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    Cyrus A.

    No trip to Oregon is complete without seeing Haystack Rock. It's honestly breathtaking, having such a massive rock jutting out from an otherwise serene coastline. At low tide you can basically walk (wade?) right up to its base and have a look around tide pools nearby. Really cool and very photo friendly activity!

    Haystack Rock in springtime
    Harold M.

    Iconic Oregon coast. Just go. Enjoy nature at its finest. You will get different views for different seasons and the tides.

    Tiffany Y.

    An iconic landmark on the Oregon coast. The beach is beautiful, large, and sandy - I am sure it is quite crowded in the summer, but I came in September and there was hardly anyone on the beach in the morning and evening. Parking was not an issue but I can imagine parking/traffic may be really terrible in the summer. Of course September is the off season and it was a little windy, but nothing that is unexpected from a Pacific Northwest beach. Some day I will come back in the summer, as I heard there are puffins there at that time! Loved that this beach was dog-friendly as my pup got to enjoy time in the sand and water.

    Thrilled to be at Haystack Rock. What a memorable moment along Oregon's coastline.
    Seth A.

    Haystack Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Oregon Coast. It's located on Cannon Beach and it's free to visit. If you arrive early enough, there's parking available in Cannon Beach's charming town. By mid to late morning over summers, parking lots usually fill up and then you may have to pivot to find where to leave your car. Depending on where you enter Cannon Beach from, Haystack Rock will be visible from any distance. It's 235 feet tall and according to Wikipedia it's..."a monolithic rock that's accessible by foot during low tide" (mornings). I had to Google what monolithic meant, lol, and it's just a massive, single stone rock formation. That definitely epitomizes Haystack Rock. I visited on a quiet Saturday morning at the end of August and the beach wasn't crowded. It doesn't take long to experience what makes this rock such a fascinating attraction. You can get real close to it, practically within footsteps of looking straight up to its peak. Rules forbid you from climbing on it and it's roped off to protect seagulls, puffins and their nesting sites. Interestingly, the seagulls peck at the starfish who consume the mussels attached to the rock. Haystack Rock is a host for the circle of life between birds and fish. It's captivating just standing so close and watching nature and wildlife coexisting together. There were volunteer guides who hung out beside the rock and offered their expertise if you had questions. Around 9am they had introductions/demonstrations to learn what makes the beach shores here so unique. The Haystack Rock surroundings are also famous for being showcased in iconic 1980's movies...The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. I could definitely envision One-Eyed Willie's pirate ship setting sail in the distance. Lastly, the town of Cannon Beach has authentic shops and stores to grab souvenirs and mementos. In the end, if you are driving the Oregon Coast, there are so many incredible natural wonders along the way to get yourself outdoors and start exploring. I believe Haystack Rock makes for a worthwhile stop that shouldn't be missed.

    Chris W.

    This was a destination I had been looking forward to visiting for years after seeing pictures and hearing stories of other peoples' experiences at Cannon Beach ! First, the drive here along Route 26, from Portland, was just stunning as you drive through the forested areas. On this occasion a blanket of fog enveloped the valley and the pictures just don't do it justice as to how it looked in person. I went during the "off-season" right at the end of October and for me this was a great time to visit, as there were not too many people on the actual beach and it also made parking much easier. You can park in areas off the street, however, be careful as much of it you are not allowed to park on. If you park at "Haystack Rock" Public Parking it's just a short walk to the Cannon Beach Access. On this particular day a big storm was moving in and it really created a great atmosphere to photograph in with the moody skies and the ocean getting a bit more turbulent as the waves crashed into the seastacks. Would have loved to catch a sunset here, however, will have to do that on another visit and maybe a different time of the year to compare experiences. The trip didn't disappoint and highly recommend stopping here and exploring other parts of the Oregon Coast!

    Liz F.

    Haystack rock is something that the locals have been talking about since we first crossed into the Oregon border so of course we had to check it out. Cannon Beach, on a holiday weekend, in the middle of the afternoon was not wise, however. Packed with people and the way the streets are set up with not a lot of 4 way stops made it white knuckling to drive through the area. I am sure it would have been very cool on an off day. If you want just views of the rock without all the people, there are pull offs on the driveway just past Cannon Beach.

    Sara C.

    If you're a fan of the Goonies, you probably recognize Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock as the geographic feature the kids use to navigate their map. Haystack Rock and surrounding rocks have been in a ton of other films too, like 1941, Point Break, and Twilight. Obviously it's a very iconic piece of Oregon's coastline. You will definitely want to snap a few pics when you get there, because the water, the rock, and the beach are gorgeous. I do recommend getting there quite early though, if you want to get some serene photos, or if you're not a fan of crowds. It can get pretty intensely crowded around the rock in the later morning/afternoon. It's about an hour and a half drive from downtown Portland, so you can hit the road early, pack a lunch, and make a day of visiting Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach. You definitely will not regret it!

    Sunset with my lucky wife!
    John F.

    Did a review for Cannon Beach but somehow forgot to review the main reason to make the pilgrimage to a beach in Northwest Oregon.... Haystack Rock! What an amazing, almost surreal thing to see.... Especially at sunset. The evening I went was almost perfect... except it was pretty cold for summer. As the sun went down, the tide was rolling in. Waves were crashing against Haystack and the formations around the main attraction. Each wave pushed us farther and farther from the rock, but still close enough for some great sunset pictures. After the sun went down the beach lit up with a number of small bonfires where people huddled around for warmth, enjoy the sunset and to listen to the sounds of the waves. Perfect! Bucket List.... Check!

    Amado G.

    How can you leave a review on a rock? This blows my mind. Anyways it was fun, I saw birds and giant mussels. And families of starfish. I met a crab, and I cleaned up trash on the beach. How do people leave so much trash around?

    Cannon Beach in the foreground, my home town.
    Sally H.

    Home is where the heart is! Haystack Rock is an old friend, as a child I spent hours daily, studying the treasures it had to share. It has an important place in my heart. Rising 235 feet above the shoreline, Haystack Rock is an irregular basalt formation that was first created some 17 million years ago as lava flowed through the old Columbia River drainage system and intruded into soft marine sediments. Erosion and geologic uplift eventually revealed it and the many other large stone formations along the coast. I lived so close to the rock I could see it every waking hour it was my comfort when I lost my mom at 10. So I was a fixture on the intertidal zone and it taught me a lot. I lived in Cannon Beach for my entire childhood and teenage years. I forged food, razor clams, rock cod, dungeons crabs, octopus, sea urchins etc... I became so familiar with the entire coast line. I also rode out storms, a dune buggy to get glass floats, and other treasure that washed a shore and there was so much.

    Walking up
    Ashley F.

    Just wow!!! What an insanely gorgeous beach! We came to see this wonderful place while visiting my bestie in Portland. She had already been and I'd seen her pics but nothing does this place any justice quite like your own two eyes. It was a chilly rainy/snowy day but the weather cleared up just as we got to the area! We found parking easily and it wasn't a long walk to the beach at all. There weren't many people out either so that made for nice pics. This place was truly incredible!!! I really have no words, I'm so happy I got to see this!!!

    Michele F.

    Visiting Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach was one of my all time favorite things to do when I lived in the PNW. There's really no bad time to visit, as it's still amazing on a cloudy day, but even more spectacular at sunset. It's sad that the number of starfish and sea anenomies have significantly reduced over the years, but if you're lucky enough to spot some at low tide, it's worth the trip. There is ample parking nearby, so it's easy to get to. It's definitely worth a visit when you're in Oregon.

    Breathtaking view of Haystack Rock. The tide was coming in.
    Tony G.

    What hasn't been said about Haystack Rock? It's gorgeous- yes! Famous- yes! Our favorite beach- yes!!! Will it rain on you in the winter causing you to get wet and cold but cause endless memories while you drive to Mo's at nearby Tolovana State Beach for a clam chowder bowl with the family- absolutely!!! That's another review that's forthcoming.

    Tide is out ;)

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    Gorgeous tranquil area. Perfect for sitting around and people watching or listening to the waves. Dogs are off leash at this beach.

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    Review Highlights - Haystack Rock

    Best part was walking right up at low tide and exploring the tidepools and asking questions of the volunteers.

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    Ecola State Park - Photo session with this feisty Hairy Woodpecker on the trail!! He was very cooperative!!

    Ecola State Park

    (197 reviews)

    Home is where the heart is. This area was my stomping…read more grounds for many moons! I use to go to Ecola state park, regularly growing up. Go on hikes,look for rocks shells,surf, get lost in nature, just sit in the grass and watch the ocean. Here is what you can do at Ecola State Park: Hiking & Walking: Explore trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes through Sitka spruce forests. The Clatsop Loop Trail follows the path of1806 explorers, while the Oregon Coast Trail offers longer, scenic treks. Indian Beach: A popular, secluded cove for surfing, sunbathing, and tide-pooling to see sea stars and anemones. Viewpoints: Take in spectacular vistas from Ecola Point, including views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse ("Terrible Tilly") and distant Haystack Rock. Wildlife Viewing: The park is known for herds of elk grazing in the meadows, as well as sightings of bald eagles and migrating gray whales. Picnicking: Enjoy lunch at the picnic areas located on the grassy bluffs with ocean views. Photography: The dramatic, moody coastline provides excellent opportunities for photography. Oregon State

    Forgive me for this late review. I should have written it long ago, but perhaps the trees and the…read moreocean were patient enough to wait. The drive through the forest is a passage into another world. Sitka spruce and hemlock lean over the road as if they are curious about you. At the end of the road the land opens and the Pacific announces itself in vast gray blues and greens, broken by sea stacks that rise like stubborn monuments. The trails are generous. Some wander to secret beaches, others climb to high points where the ocean and horizon meet like two old friends. Indian Beach is a gathering of tide pools, surfers, and quiet sand. Crescent Beach feels private, almost hidden, with the company of seals if you are lucky. Wildlife belongs here as much as people. Elk graze, eagles soar, and sometimes whales turn the water into theater. The park offers all of this without asking much in return, except that you take your time. Bring layers because the wind and mist move through the park like they own the place. Take your time. Sit, watch, breathe. This park gives you a rare combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and serenity. I regret not praising this place sooner. Ecola State Park holds the kind of beauty that makes you feel both small and fortunate. Five stars, without hesitation.

    Oregon Gallery - Cresent beach/cannon beach print

    Oregon Gallery

    (16 reviews)

    $$

    If you are seeking affordable wall art of local beach scenes, this is the gallery for you…read more Literally packed with hundreds and hundreds of prints and photographs in every imaginable size, some framed, others not, there is something for everyone's taste and space. Lots of gorgeous photography from Ron Keebler on the walls. Of course there are lots of prints and photographs of iconic Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park that are Just incredibly beautiful, captured in various weather conditions from bright blue sunny days, mist and rain, and sunsets in orange & yellow or pinks & purples. Breathtaking. While the colorful images are spectacular, I found the black and white photographs to be quite moving and am considering a large print for my master bathroom. If you aren't in the market for wall art, no worries, there are other items as well. There are lots souvenirs like coasters, greeting cards, plaques, shells and even some jewelry from local artists. Everything, including the wall art, is very affordable. Nothing pretentious about this shop or the items contained within. Definitely worth a stop if you are visiting from out of state, from other parts of Oregon or even a local. Just know the store is often crowded making it a challenge to navigate because it's full of inventory. When possible, I visit during the week.

    My husband is born and raised in Cannon Beach so we love supporting our local community.We live in…read moreAstoria now for work but it's just a short drive down to visit the in-laws! Ginna is always so kind and helpful, we bought this beautiful Cresent beach/cannon beach print my husband has been wanting for over our bed for ages and it is the best thing to look at. Such high quality! The framing is gorgeous and they wire it for you in the shop as well as wrap it up so it won't get damage in transit! Thanks for always being so kind and helpful whenever we stop in!

    City of Cannon Beach

    City of Cannon Beach

    (34 reviews)

    Cannon Beach is one of the coastal areas that's a favorite amongst Portlanders. And I can see…read morewhy--it's a great town. I'd never been there until last month, but have long wanted to go; when I was growing up we really only visited the central coast. Cannon is a more... I guess upscale beach locale is the best way to put it. Some of the towns along the coast can feel run down, cheap, or inundated with souvenir shops or silly attractions. In Cannon Beach, the attraction is the beach and Haystack Rock, really. The shopping is more upscale and often higher quality (not to mention more expensive!) thank you'll find in some of the other coastal cities. There's some pretty good shopping here, including toy stores, clothing stores, art galleries, sweet shops. They have a theatre company here, which I thought was really cool and wished we'd be around to go to one of the shows. It's near Seaside, my favorite coast town. And the library is right along the main drag. I'll be really happy to visit again. One thing I love about the Oregon Coast is how biodiverse it is. This area is right along the coast range, so when we were almost at Cannon Beach--like a mile or two from downtown--we saw a fairly large herd of about 13 elk grazing along the roadside. Then a mile away you'll be at Haystack Rock ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the starfish and anemones. I look forward to a visit to Cannon Beach where I can wander more leisurely (the babe was asleep in the car with grandma whilst I visited a few shops), and also walk out to Haystack with my little one to check out the tide pools.

    Cannon Beach is tied with Seaside as the most dog unfriendly city on the West Coast. We couldn't…read morefind any restaurants that had outdoor seating. There was no outdoor space to enjoy a beer or meal with our dog. The hotel did not allow us to leave the dog alone, so we were stuck with no options. We have never experienced such a dog unfriendly city before.

    Northwest by Northwest Gallery

    Northwest by Northwest Gallery

    (20 reviews)

    $$$

    We purchased a Christopher Burkett image from the gallery during a Thanksgiving trip to Cannon…read moreBeach. We were required to put 50% down on purchase, and write a check for the remainder upon delivery. Bob delivered the image about 1 month later, without hanging hardware or documents verifying the authenticity of the image. We discovered that our credit card had been charged for the remainder of the cost before delivery. Bob agreed to send paperwork the following week. Fast forward one month, no one answering at the gallery or responding to email. We found that we had Bobs personal phone number from delivery, called him and heard a lot of excuses (agreed to drop documentation the mail tomorrow). One week later, no documentation or communication. We're looking into how to cancel the transaction. Contacted Cannon beach chamber of commerce and got 'good luck' (no help). Think twice before investing in these cannon beach proprietors.

    My experience was vastly different than the majority of other Yelpers. I was greeted upon entry,…read moreengaged in fabulous conversation with the artist and gentleman who owns the gallery, and had a delightful experience. Excited to see several pieces of art from Laura O'Brien, an acquaintance of mine, and when I asked if I could snap a picture, he immediately said yes. Art is personal and I'm searching for a large piece in certain colors with movement...I know...this means something only to me, which is the point. So while I was empressed with several pieces, there wasn't anything there that day that would work in my space but I'll definitely stop back in whenever I'm in Cannon Beach. Located on N Spruce 2 shops down from the Chocolate Cafe, it's a bit off the main path but worth walking over to this park of town.

    Haystack Rock - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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