Haystack Rock
A roughly 72-metre-high basalt monolith on the beach. At low tide you can see tide-pool life, and in spring and summer tufted puffins nest here.
Haystack Rock is the most iconic landmark on the Oregon coast and is a protected marine garden. At low tide you can walk up to the base of the rock to observe starfish, sea anemones and hermit crabs, but you must not climb the rock or take any creatures away. Volunteers often give talks in summer. From April to August, tufted puffins nest on the grassy slopes at the top of the rock, and binoculars make them easier to spot. Check the tide table before you go. The best time is around the lowest tide, and sunset is the best time for silhouette photos. The beach is free.
Opening hours
Open all day (tide pools accessible at low tide)
Nearby sights
- Downtown Cannon Beach (Hemlock Street)
- Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site
- Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
- Ecola State Park
- Indian Beach
- Hug Point State Recreation Site
- Oswald West State Park
- Seaside Promenade