Haystack Rock Cannon Beach
Iconic 235-foot sea stack on Oregon's coast, famous for tide pools, birdlife, and stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tide pools & marine life
Haystack Rock Cannon Beach
Best Time
Explore tide pools & marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 235-foot sea stack on Oregon's coast, famous for tide pools, birdlife, and stunning sunsets.
"Haystack Rock is absolutely breathtaking! Standing on the beach with this giant sea stack in front of you feels magical."
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling! Always check the schedule before heading out.
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking is available in residential areas; just be mindful of driveways.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach
The iconic 235-foot sea stack, a geological marvel and home to diverse marine life.
Tide Pools
Base of Haystack Rock (at low tide)
Discover vibrant starfish, anemones, and other sea creatures revealed during low tide.
Sunset Views
Cannon Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky behind Haystack Rock in a spectacular display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Low Tide is Your Friend
+1Book Accommodations in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling! Always check the schedule before heading out.
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking is available in residential areas; just be mindful of driveways.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The beach sand is packed down and easy to walk on, perfect for exploring.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Early morning sun behind you enhances photos; sunsets are also magical.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling! Always check the schedule before heading out.
🚗 Park Smartly
Street parking is available in residential areas; just be mindful of driveways.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The beach sand is packed down and easy to walk on, perfect for exploring.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Early morning sun behind you enhances photos; sunsets are also magical.
🔭 Look for Wildlife
Spot starfish, anemones, birds, and even bald eagles! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haystack Rock is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty, especially during low tide when tide pools reveal abundant marine life. Visitors rave about the spectacular sunsets and the overall magical atmosphere of Cannon Beach. While parking can be a challenge, the free access and stunning scenery make it an unforgettable Oregon Coast landmark.
"Haystack Rock is absolutely breathtaking! Standing on the beach with this giant sea stack in front of you feels magical. At low tide, the tidepools are full of colorful starfish, anemones, and other sea life, which makes it a great spot for families and nature lovers. The sunsets here are unforgettable — watching the sky change colors behind the rock is a must-see experience. The beach itself is wide, clean, and perfect for a long walk. It’s one of those iconic Oregon Coast landmarks that you just can’t miss!"
Prashanth Vijender (Juggernaut)
"Nice beach and interesting rock formation. What makes it good is that it featured in the Goonies where the Pirate ship floated out to sea. Free parking but not a big car park. Specific places for Motorhomes in car park but no overnight stays. Very short walk to beach."
Don T
"In August 2025, we visited Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Haystack Rock is spectacular, as it accessible to the public, no cost to visit, and close to the beach. Birds fly around it and onto it, and the Pacific Ocean waves crashing on the rocks add to the ambiance. The surrounding rocks have visible starfish and seashells on them, as it was likely low tide. The Cannon Beach sand is packed down and easy to walk on. We went early in the morning, so the morning sun was behind us, and that improved our photography. Haystack Rock is an amazing place to visit and experience first-hand."
John Cutler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is about a 90-minute drive from Portland, Oregon. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and park in the town.
There's a main parking lot, but it can fill up. Travelers suggest parking on neighborhood streets, ensuring you don't block driveways. Some hotels, like the Hallmark Inn, offer great views and are pet-friendly.
While direct public transport to Cannon Beach can be limited, it's a popular day trip from Portland. Renting a car or joining a guided tour are common options for reaching this scenic spot.
According to social media creators, the 'viral view' can be accessed by locating an alleyway directly across from Haystack Rock.
Absolutely! Haystack Rock is a perfect day trip destination, especially from Portland, offering stunning scenery and activities like tide pooling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach is free of charge. It's a public access area, making it an accessible natural wonder for everyone.
Haystack Rock is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor natural landmark. However, the best time to visit for tide pooling is during low tide.
No tickets are required to visit Haystack Rock. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
While generally open, be aware of tide times and any temporary closures due to wildlife, like the cougar sighting in 2023.
Climbing Haystack Rock is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety. The rock is a protected area for marine life.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the fascinating tide pools at low tide, watch for diverse bird species, enjoy the beach, and witness stunning sunsets.
During low tide, you can spot sea stars, anemones, mussels, crabs, and various other sea creatures in the tide pools.
The best time to explore the tide pools is during low tide. Check local tide charts for the most accurate times.
Yes, Haystack Rock is incredibly photogenic, especially during sunset or with the tide pools visible. Drone photography is also popular.
Absolutely! Families love exploring the tide pools and the wide beach. It's a great educational and fun experience for kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' before sunset and the moments just after sunset offer spectacular light for photography. Early mornings can also be great with the sun behind you.
Drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of Haystack Rock and the coastline.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the rock, close-ups of tide pool life, and dramatic sunset silhouettes.
Yes, mini photo sessions are sometimes offered, especially during peak seasons, providing professional shots with Haystack Rock as a backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the rock and beach. A macro lens can be useful for tide pool details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
The tide pools provide incredible macro photography subjects, and the expansive beach allows for stunning wide-angle shots. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions and a drone for unique aerial perspectives. ❤️ Couples & Elopements
+1 The stunning sunsets add an extra touch of magic to any romantic occasion. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools: A World of Wonder
It's a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to connect with nature and observe the intricate ecosystems of the Oregon Coast. Remember to tread carefully and avoid disturbing the delicate creatures. To make the most of your tide pool adventure, always check the local tide charts before your visit. Low tide is essential for accessing these areas.
The best times are typically a few hours before and after the lowest point of the tide. Be prepared for wet conditions and wear appropriate footwear that can handle slippery surfaces. The abundance of life here makes it a photographer's dream, with opportunities for macro shots of tiny creatures and wider views of the rock formations. The Magic of Sunsets at Haystack Rock
Many visitors describe the sunsets as 'dreamlike' and 'unforgettable,' making it a highlight of any trip to Cannon Beach. For the best sunset experience, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the beach. The colors can be most intense about 15-30 minutes after the sun has officially set, so don't pack up too soon!
Haystack Rock and its Cinematic Connections
This cinematic connection adds another layer of appeal for visitors, with many seeking out the rock to recreate scenes or simply soak in the nostalgia.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit