Cannon Beach on the northern Oregon coast is famous for the towering basalt sea stacks — particularly Haystack Rock — rising directly from the sandy shoreline. Pacific tidal range here exceeds six feet; low tide is essential for exploring the rich tide pools at the base of Haystack Rock, where sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs are visible.
Pacific tidal range of 6–7 ft; a predicted low or minus tide is absolutely essential for reaching the richest tide pools at Haystack Rock, a designated Marine Garden where docents help visitors identify sea stars, anemones, nudibranches, and hermit crabs. Swimming is not advisable due to cold water (50–55°F) and strong currents; surfing exists but requires a full wetsuit; shelling yields some sand dollars and shell fragments at low tide; surf fishing from the beach is done at any tide. Local note: Haystack Rock Marine Garden is strictly protected — collecting any organisms or shells from the intertidal zone is illegal; a free volunteer docent program operates on weekends during low tides; Ecola State Park a short drive north offers dramatic headland views and the wild, crowd-free Crescent Beach.
Nearby Beaches