Haystack Rock Reviews

4.8

2 of 29 Best Attractions in Cannon Beach


Reviews

Haystack rock, excellent place to visit

By David J |

we visit cannon beach and haystack rock every year and still see new things each time we visit.
getting up early and walking to haystack rock when the tide is out is what we look forward to.
some visits we can get with approximately 50 feet of the rock and get to see all the sea life that surrounds the rock

More than just a rock

By Tyrrellsadventure |

Very famous place for photographers. An easy walk to the rock during low tide. Interesting sea creatures can be seen.

Always enjoyable to visit...

By Mark W |

I have now visited this site two times and enjoy wading in the water and looking at this large rock. There are several very good restaurants within walking distance and several good places to stay.

Amazing rock formation along the beach

By Nostalgiyeah |

It is a beautiful structure standing tall on Cannon Beach. The rock is huge, photos won't do true justice to the rock. There are a number of rocks dotting the coastline and this is quite a prominent one. The rock adds a particular charm to the beach. It is a nice beach to enjoy taking a walk. There are a lot of birds flying around and the rock is a perching place for birds. I was surprised by the number of puffins and seagulls that were flying around the Haystack Rock - this rock seems to anchor an ecosystem! The sands were soft and cold and when we visited, the winds made it chilly. The presence of the Haystack Rock makes this a unique beach along the Pacific Coast and certainly makes for some memorable photographs!

Beautiful sights!

By Graysonthego |

Despite drizzly weather, we had fun at Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Beautiful views and a nearly empty beach when we were there. That allowed my toddler to be able to just be a toddler and run as she pleased. Will definitely be going back this summer with better weather!

Beautiful can sum it up

By jenniferallen789ja |

Beautiful sights, amazing sunset, less populated area and just a wonderful place. Hotels near by, a wonderful park, rabbits and don't forget good food.

Bucket list destination

By IrishRover |

We stopped for the day to explore in and around Cannon Beach with this being our main reason. It truly is mesmerizing. Sunset is the time to be as the mist and sun create such a great moment. It is truly a special place

Disappointed

By AJandCin |

We spent a week on the Oregon coast and have to say that this was our least favorite spots. The coast is drop dead breathtaking. You can pull over anywhere and be dazzled by the vistas. This was one of our last stops and anticlimactic. First of all it is not easy to reach without a hike. Busy beach. Hard to find parking. We went on a weekday. Can’t imagine what it is like on a weekend.

AWESOME!!!

By Gary W |

Don’t have this kind of rock on east coast. It was beautiful..went out early, not many people there. Tide as out so walked right on up to the big rock. Very cool and the sun was out, it was so AWESOME. Loved it!!!

Memorable!!

By CreoleCajunQueen |

Always wanted to experience and so glad I finally did - it's amazing in person! And wonderful for your own photography collection.

Nature’s Masterpiece Rising from the Waves

By Beyond Borders |

Haystack Rock is simply breathtaking. Standing tall and proud against the ever-changing sky, this iconic sea stack feels like a sentinel of the coast, watching over Cannon Beach. The salty breeze kissed our faces as we walked along the shoreline, the rhythmic crash of waves creating a soundtrack that never misses a beat. Seagulls wheeled overhead, their calls echoing as they danced on the air currents.

During low tide, the base of the rock transforms into a living aquarium. Tide pools brimming with starfish in brilliant oranges and purples, scuttling crabs, and sea anemones gently waving their tentacles it felt like peering into an underwater treasure chest. The kids nearby were thrilled, pointing excitedly and exclaiming, “Look at this one!” while photographers lined up to capture the perfect shot.

What really makes Haystack Rock unforgettable is the moment when the sun starts to set. The sky blazes in hues of amber and rose, casting long shadows and bathing the rock in a golden glow. It’s the kind of natural beauty that feels both humbling and invigorating a reminder of how wild and wonderful the Pacific Northwest really is.

Easy to access from the beach, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Oregon’s coast. Whether you’re beachcombing, tide-pooling, or just sitting in the sand soaking in the moment, Haystack Rock delivers magic from every angle.

Wonderful Beach for Long Walks

By JP |

Long, wide beach is excellent for walking. Hard-packed sand makes it easy. There was not a lot of wind, but it's smart to bundle up. Beautiful scenery. Tranquil.

Incredible

By N N |

Loved seeing haystack rock. A must see (although you can't miss it while driving thru Cannon Beach).

Trip with adult son and daughter

By Susan R |

Haven't been here in years and decided to go on Labor day. What were we thinking?! LOL Not a quiet place anywhere. Needless to say it was a gorgeous day and the water wasn't cold so not surprising so many there. We did meet some very friendly dogs and got some great pics. That's what we came for was the pics, so we were happy.

Great spot!

By Jim T |

As a fan of the Goonies, I had to make time during a trip to Portland for a ride out to Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock. I found a spot in the municipal lot nearby and took the short walk over to the beach. It was a sunny but cool and breezy day that attracted a good number of people (and dogs) to this really nice beach. This trip came after a cross-country flight, so I didn't stay too long. I'd love to go back and spend more time enjoying this spot and the nearby area.

Iconic symbol of the Oregon Coast

By Joseph P |

Great place to walk and enjoy the ocean. Took several photos and even got asked to do selfies of other visiotrs on their cell phones. Went early, but parking was tight. The tides may be an issue if you want pictures of sweeping beaches.

Fantastic Walk

By douglasstolz |

Had a great walk from Tolovana Inn to Haystack Rock and back. There was very little wind and it was in the 60's. Had a great time

Magestic

By 111Buckhorn |

Drove over early evening and watched the sun slowly set. This is one of those things everyone should see once. If you're an east coast person, this isn't Cape May. Just beautiful.

Loved this Natural Beauty

By Walby |

We walked the beach and took countless photos at sunset of this natural wonder, as were numerous other people. Very pretty.

Haystack Rock

By Kayla Montana ❤️ |

The most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. The best trip EVER !! I can’t wait to go back 😍 Cannon Beach is a tourist trap.

Beautiful and Majestic

By chicagospartan |

This is 100% worth seeing if you are in the area. Walk out at low tide so you can see some sea life living in the rocks. They have staff on site to make sure visitors behave and don't disrupt nature too much.

Skip it

By DebB |

Cannon Beach was supposed to be the highlight of my trip, but it turns out, it wasn't. It's hard to find parking close to Haystack Rock and it is located on a wide beach, so expect to walk a bit if you want to get to it. The day we went, at low tide, the park service had the majority of the area roped off because there are tide pools there. They didn't want people walking all over the rocks and damaging the sea life. There are tide pools all over the world that people investigate, so I'm torn about whether or not they should do that. It really detracted from the beauty of the rock. It's just another rock on the beach, imo. Other parts of the coast were more beautiful.

A couple of days

By paws0810 |

A pretty cool thing to see. Disappointed that it was cloudy and cold but it is an iconic thing to see. Beautiful

Special place

By blsmeltzer |

Cannon Beach has a shabby chic, laid back beach town vibe. Haystack rock dominates the beach scape and serves as the cornerstone. It is visible for miles and changes as the tide ebbs and flows. We walked to Haystack several times during our visits and it is always breathtaking.

Walk the beach

By JaJkH6576 |

A point on the beach that draws people from all directions. catch it at low tide and walk right up to it. plenty of wildlife and especially starfish. High tide you can get close but nothing like low tide.

Great photo op

By tleeEvans |

Parked at a small parking area just past the public beach access and walked to the beach. The rock is a wonder to see and get some great photos of. This is a great example of the geographical landscape of the pacific coast vs Atlantic coast. The beaches are very wide and the water ice cold.

View of Haystack Rock

By Pam |

Our room at the Hallmark Resort looked right out on to Haystack Rock. There are so many birds landing and flying from the rock. It was fun to watch.

low tide awesome

By interviewtraveler |

We went at low tide and saw so many neat sea animals in the tide pools. We got so close to Haystack Rock! The folks who care for Haystack Rock have rope to make sure people don't disrupt the habitat too much. Also at this time of year you can see puffins on Haystack Rock! We saw some folks with binoculars, but there was also a volunteer with a telescope who let us look through and see. My kid loved it! The ocean waves are just beautiful.

Strong beauty

By triliumsummer |

Beauty!! It was a windy day when I visited in June 2021! Seen some crabs, beautiful orange starfish. The 2 rocks to the left of haystack are called needles. I found that very funny. Bring a light jacket and binoculars to view to birds. Wonderful visit!

NICE COOL FUN WATER

By Emilee Swanson |

it was a very cool time i went with my family we went here 2 times we went once in low tide and onece in high tide

Perfection on the Oregon Coast!

By Jenny B |

Our family has been to Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach twice in the past 15 years. - We live on the East Coast, so it's not an easy hike to get there! LOL! Both times we have been there, the view has been exceptionally breathtaking. The Haystacks are full of all sorts of wild life. We saw so many nesting birds, including adorable little puffins. There were also starfish in the tide pools and very cool sea anemones. Our kids could have spent days here, but as part of our West Coast road trip, we only got to spend a couple of hours. Having said that, they were so enjoyable!

Every bit as beautiful as pictures.

By D&L |

Although the weather reports said showery, it was just beautiful!!! The fall is outstanding in Cannon Beach at this time of year. We missed the summer beach crowd so it was easy going, relaxed and stunning.

Beautiful walk along the beach.

By liljodo |

We went to the beach to see haystack rock but ended up taking an hour long walk along the beach. We used the public parking lot near the public restrooms. We were there early in the morning so the beach was not very crowded. We enjoyed searching for seashells and running from the waves. It was a perfect easy to start our day.

Honeymoon

By SamanthaG |

Started our Hwy 101 trip here, beautiful little town. The views were amazing. Haystack rock did not disappoint.

Gorgeous and great place to explore!

By Stephanie |

Can't climb on the rocks, but this rock is amazing, a must see and great for exploring and seeing sea life and birds.

Worth the Trip

By Tim C |

A chance to relive scenes from The Goonies movie? Priceless! The beach was beautiful and the surrounding community was great!

Amazing geology!

By Rob121618 |

We could see the tip of the rock from our hotel room…so that was great. Seeing it from the beach is amazing. Watching the sunset from the beach with Haystack rock in your photos is quite something. The rock dominates this part of the coastline…definitely worth visiting.

Fabulous place!

By Happy_Cyclist04 |

This is a must see place on the northern Oregon Coast. Tide pools, great walks and really fun fat tire biking.

Wow

By Annie P |

What a wonder is nature! This huge outcrop is the star of Cannon Beach and is a changing look throughout the day as the light changes. Birds flying around, and from what I understand the Puffins come around in the Spring!

An Iconic and Unique Rock Formation Along the Oregon Coast

By HeardItBothWays |

My husband and I visited Haystack Rock during our trip exploring the West Coast. I had seen Haystack Rock pop up on numerous lists of sites to see along the coast and our visit confirmed this is a must-see.

Cannon Beach is expansive and Haystack Rock is visible from every point. The rock itself stands tall among its waves, which spread out surprisingly far from where they break. We happened to be there on an overcast day but it still had a charm and we got to appreciate a bit of pink light coming through the clouds behind this massive rock formation.

When we went (in October), it wasn't crowded but there were lots of people out exploring and taking photos, as well as some further up on the beach sitting near bon fires.

Haystack Rock is definitely a worthy stop if you're taking in the Oregon coast!

Gorgeous

By B. Parks |

Spent several days in this area. GOD's beauty is evident in this. Everywhere you go along that coastal area you can see The Creator.

Low tide pools

By lost_bobcat |

Such a nice day before the storm, we got there for low tide and saw some great crabs, sea anenime
Nice beach to walk on

Awe inspiring!

By Jasmine G |

It is hard to fathom that just beyond the unassuming streets of shops you find a spectacular beach and rock formations.

Within walking distance of our hotel, I made half a dozen trips to walk or just gaze upon this wonder. An evening at sunset is particularly spectacular. Beach blankets dot the area with small bonfires.

After years of extensive travel throughout the United States, this is one of very few places I have returned to repeatedly. I will continue to come back for the peace and beauty of such an easily accessible beach.

Had to see it in person!

By Larry R |

Just a quick stop as we passed through for a photo op. Have seen pictures of it and wanted to see in person. Parking is tight, ended up parking illegally just to run onto the beach and take a couple of pictures. Worth the stop.

awesome

By sunil joshi |

great place for viewing formation on canon beach. best attraction for cannon beach.amazed and beauty weather and tranquill of this place

Worth a View

By Miketravel |

I was a little skeptical if haystack rock would be worth our time. Short Answer it’s worth a walk and a quick view. It is a nice spectacle on a well kept up beach. We enjoyed our time there.

Visit on low tide

By Y1834KBchrisj |

If you visit on low tide you can view the tide pools near Haystack Rock. The beach is very wide and it is a bit of a walk to the rock depending on how far south you park to access the rock and how far away from the beach you have to park. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare but was able to find someone pulling out after a few loops around town. But the walk out there will afford you the opportunity for some great photos. You are able to rent incline bikes to use on the beach on low tide also. Town is crowded but the beach has plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

Stunning

By Napsterthecat |

We parked in Cannon Beach early due to limited parking and walked the beach to Haystack Rock. We checked this off our bucket list.

What the hype

By Sylviya |

There are beaches. There are rocks. There are rocks you can theoretically drive to. Not that we would. That is it. What the hype.

Avoid the summer months

By Raymond Abeltun |

Incredibly crowded place that for sure takes some of the magic away from the place.

There was a ton of people when we where there.

Still….lovely nature…

Make sure to go outside the bizzy summer months.

Beautiful Views

By aschoono |

We were visiting Portland and decided to make a drive to the coast. We ended up in Cannon Beach and wanted to see the Haystack Rock. Parking was hard to come by so we ended up parking at Tolovana Beach State Park and it was only a short walk to the Haystack Rock. It was beautiful to see.

Great beach stroll

By DoBeAdventure |

Came here with friends to enjoy the rocks. They were very interesting and definitely worth the stop.

Best two weeks ever spent on vacation!

By Jessica-Cody B |

We had a blast driving up the Oregon coast on the 101 and seeing all the beauty that Oregon has to offer. The sights were endless.

Breathtaking

By Tabby Cat |

We got out to the coast around sunset and all I can say is it’s amazing! I definitely recommend making it to Haystack Rock if you get the chance!

Oregon Coast icon

By Karyn W |

This is great when the tide is out and you can explore the tide pools. Makes a great photo backdrop!

Visit the Tidepools at least once

By Kai Andrews |

Walk up during low tide and you can (carefully) explore the tidepools and gaze at birds nesting on the rock. If anything, you can appreciate the ecosystem for what it is.

Big rock

By Sandy B |

cool big rock, got close enough to see the tide pools, the muscles, the sea enemies, nice outside, lots of sand, bit windy but was a relaxing enjoyable walk along the beach.

Beach walk

By Dhplad1 |

Wonderful iconic landmark on this beautiful Oregon coast!
Tidal pools and Puffin bird nesting.
Lots of people on the beach enjoying all different aspects, picnics, volleyball, fat biking, dogs, and chilling!

Loved Haystack Rock

By Nancy E |

Take some time to explore Haystack Rock at low tide. The tidal pools are full of starfish, anemones and other cool stuff. You can walk around much of the area. But, beware the tide comes in fast!

Go at low tide

By Rather_Nomadic |

It’s impressive anytime but to really get the full experience check the tide forecast and visit at low tide. That’s when you can explore all the tide pools and get right to the base of the rock. It’s crazy how much the tide moves here. You will see all kinds of seabirds and sealife like starfish. Parking is very limited but it’s worth the visit.

Goonies!

By shawnkimmitz |

Our family quest was to visit all 50 states and this was our first stop in Oregon. We did a couple things in the state, but this was my favorite! Parking in town and then walking onto the beach to see the iconic rock is incredible. It made us want to watch Goonies again.

Nice scenery, if only we could have found parking

By Jim W. |

This review is not so much for the rock itself (which is worth seeing) but for the overall experience of driving into Cannon Beach and trying to see Haystack Rock (which is nightmarish).

We were driving north on Hwy 101 after lunch and a short hike near Manzanitas. I had noted some coastal landmarks to see on our drive, and of course Haystack Rock was among these. We got off Hwy 101 (northbound) and did a sort of cloverleaf 270-degree turn back under the highway to head the 1/4 mile to the town of Cannon Beach. It looked like there might be a few spaces to park near this underpass (along the road).

We approached the stop sign at the main intersection in town. Traffic was heavy. We managed to make a left turn and headed parallel to the beach. Over some intervening homes / hotels we soon could see Haystack Rock. However, there was NOWHERE to park (at least nowhere that had spaces). We circled around, tried some side roads, etc. No luck. And this was on a Thursday at around 1:30 p.m.!

We soon gave up and opted to just look for a public restroom before getting back on 101. This proved almost equally difficult. We ended up just parking in front of someone's driveway and I waited while others walked half a block to the facilities.

I would not drive in Cannon Beach again if I returned here. At best, I would consider parking near the initial 101 underpass and walking the rest of the way. It was not far and would be a vastly superior experience versus driving / parking there. Maybe if you stay in Cannon Beach at a hotel where parking is provided and then just explore the town (and the beach) on foot it would be fine.

Interesting geologic feature with cool tide pools, but don't expect to see Tufted Puffins

By Linda S |

We went to Haystack Rock hoping to see a Tufted Puffin. We did not see any, and were later told that it would be unusual to see them from the beach side because they only nest on the ocean side, so that was disappointing. However, we were lucky enough to be there during low tide and we got to see the tide pools, including large red starfish. There were several conservationalists there who very closely monitor your activities and will correct you if you stray too close to a bird or sea creature in the tide pools.

Anemones and sea stars

By Rachel77079 |

Definitely do this one! During low tide these tide pools contain many varieties of anemones in all colors. Docents are eager to answer questions and point out animals that you might otherwise overlook. On the north side of the rock, we got to see several sea stars in bright red, pink and orange colors clinging to the rock. Dress to get wet up to your knees if you want a close up look at these amazing creatures!

A Beautiful Rock

By amyw2012 |

We stayed at a hotel on the beach a short walk away. I loved walking to the rock every day! I saw a starfish really close to it which was my first one to see in the wild. It is a beautiful and majestic rock- words I never thought I would say about a rock.

Depressing

By BBBBTravel |

“Is that all there is”. Not sure what the attraction is to the rock or the Seaside area for that matter. We were told its an artist community and well photographed rock… hmmmm…

Just Amazing

By jermil |

Amazing during high tide and so exciting at low tide when you can visit to see all the things that live underwater just a few hours later. Awesome.

Got to see the amazing tufted puffins here

By sunshyn468 |

Large rock in the ocean teaming with birds. Be sure to bring binoculars. I have always wanted to see tufted puffins and heard they were here. They were indeed there along with tons of murre and many other kinds of birds. Birder paradise. Also just a lovely view for all. Come early and walk the beach. Later in the afternoon parking at Cannon Beach becomes impossible.

Wonderful tide pools and great sandy beach

By Brad_6500 |

The area around the rock has interesting tide pools that are easy to walk around. I recommend footwear of some kind. Lots of gulls, mole crabs, anemone and starfish to be found here. Sunset photo opportunities, as in most places on the coast, are plentiful. There were volunteers near the rock helping people with helpful educational tips.

Beautiful, especially on a sunny day

By bcasey1 |

Such a unique beach, with cliffs, rocks and Haystack popping up in the Pacific. Nice beach walk! Very different than Florida beaches 😄

Amazing view; tide pools are full of life

By LCO |

We were so happy to have landed here on our Oregon Coast trip. Public parking is a few blocks away-wish we had had the time to stop by some of the restaurants and surf shops. Haystack Rock is such a stunning geologic feature and we and the kids had a great time looking at the tide pools and of course the ocean and the sunset. It was cold, so bring your coats and boots/hats.

Beautiful Site to See!

By Janet M |

The day we visited Cannon Beach was bright and sunny and temperature in the mid-50's. We walked from our lunch restaurant to the beach side to see Haystack Rock and were not disappointed. It was beautiful.

Puffins for Nuthin'

By LairdCamster |

One of our favorite places to go to watch puffins. Those little fat birds have to work their wings like crazy to keep aloft, but they sure are fun to watch. I guess there are a bunch of other types of birds there, too, but who cares? Plus it's free!

Easy walk

By Paul H |

Haystack Rock is an easy walk from the hotel. We were there each evening for sunset. Plenty of restaurants nearby.

Nice view if the fog isn't there

By BC in SF |

When we arrived we had pea soup fog! Made viewing much impossible, but still the sea stacks were quite beautiful. Nice long sandy beach.
Surrounded by modern beach developments unfortunately.
Check the weather before making the long drive from Portland.

Marine Sanctuary at low tide at Haystack Rock

By jennifervTRAVELZ |

Beautiful beach, and Haystack Rock and the marine sanctuary surrounding it are beautiful. The park rangers were friendly and informative. We happened to go when the tide was super low, so tide pools with with starfish and other marine creatures were fun to explore. Some people ignored the marine sanctuary signs and had to be chased out by the rangers.

Historically significant Beach to walk

By Ron B |

Beach walking to this spot is perfect, but read the tide tables. Huge Rock and Puffin breeding habitat, the tidal pools at base of and surrounding the rock are amazing places to explore if there is low tide. BUT always be aware of fast incoming tide as Beach is shallow.

Never Gets Old

By 2again |

I’ve visited this icon in all seasons and all weather and each offers its own magic. The rock itself is majestic and the ocean and beach are breathtaking. Dress accordingly and count on getting wet.

Must-see icon on a lovely beach!

By Lady Gigglemug |

A must-see icon for any Goonies fans, you’ll see it dominating the landscape of Cannon Beach. If you’re like me and grew up on The Goonies, you’ll definitely recognize it!

Parking is available in a few lots in the city for free. Don’t park regular cars in the RV-designated spots as the cops are actively handing out tickets! Then it’s just a short walk past some public restrooms and restaurants and down the beach - you can’t miss it!

The surrounding beach is lovely! Complete with soft sand, emerald and cobalt hues in the water and fun tide pools to explore! At low tide you can almost walk out to the rock! Be careful not to step on any wildlife or plants in the tide pools though please!

Highly recommend! Makes for a great, relaxing beach day!

Iconic

By akolori |

Wow!! What an iconic and beautiful site!! It was windy, rainy and cold when we went but there were still a lot of people there. Very popular spot and an absolute must see if you are a Goonies fan!! It is pet friendly too, leash required. My dog had a blast swimming in crystal clear pools of water. Definitely go during low tide so you can walk out closer to the rock and look at all the marine life around the rocks.

Stunning!

By patshea2016 |

Last week while visiting Oregon for the first time, I did a one day coasttal tour which included a stop at Haystack Rock. There were ten tourists and our tour guide. I was able to get several beautiful photos! I enjoyed our visit to Haystack Rock.

An incredible beach with the landmark Haystack Rock

By Peter B |

This is probably the nicest beach we have seen in the World and certainly the longest particularly at low tide which allows you to walk some 4-5 kilometres along the finest sand. Unusually the beach had no "artificial flotsam" from the ocean. Extraordinary place!

Captivating Monolith

By Karen W |

This monolith dominates the landscape here and is just breathtaking! Worth staying close to if possible and viewing at dawn and dusk.

Haystack is a must see.

By CreateCourageAdventures |

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is a huge Oregon Coast attraction. At 235 feet tall, this basalt beauty is one of the best-known symbols of the Oregon Coast in general and an image you see on every Oregon Coast Travel Blog out there (including this one!) At low tide you can explore vast tidepools and walk all the way to the rock itself. Tufted Puffins, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Common Murres, and many other birds are abundantly present on and around Haystack Rock depending on the season making this location a Pacific Northwest birdwatchers dream come true.

Beautiful!

By AtrG2013 |

Visited on a chilly but sunny October day. Water felt cold to the feet; but nonetheless beautiful! The beach is so clean, dreamy white sand....if you are in the area, do stop by this amazing place!

Breathtaking. Beautiful, Chilly, but a Glorious.

By Alan M |

I've visited some of the most beautiful places on earth, but the Oregon coast is breathtaking, beautiful, chilly, but a glorious wonder of the Pacific coast. Astoria is simply sensational. There are so many wonderful experiences, that so many Americans don't know exists. Come visit, and you will experience a beautiful part of the world.

Iconic!

By misopiso88 |

So beautiful and iconic, Haystack Rock will be the reason Cannon Beach stands out in your memory as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world!

A dramatic sight

By Debbie S |

The beach is absolutely lovely, made even more stunning by the presence of Haystack Rock, which suddenly juts up from the sand and water. Quite a dramatic sight!

Totally in awe

By BrianMaryAdventures |

We spent about an hour here walking the beach and just being in awe of this massive rock. So cool. Saw some anemones and a few crabs and starfish at low tide. If you have time check out Indian Beach in Ecola State Park. We saw lots more sea creatures there

An iconic landmark!

By Kirby M |

Goonies never say die! We had to visit this iconic landmark! Definitely a beauty and even better when the tide is out so you can get near. If you're in the vicinity, don't drive by and miss out. This is a must see!

Powerful vortex

By Bill Ding |

This is the kind of rock that is an energy vortex. People and things gravitate towards it. Normally people say not to walk the beach at night but when the moon and stars sparkle on this beauty you almost can’t resist. Take a photo!

2020 Vacation

By KC Rodriguez |

Really cool. Low tide showed very diverse marine life in the tide pools. Watching all the birds take off was really cool, especially the puffins. The guards of the rock were so nice and helpful when my kids asked questions about the animals.

Birds

By No Name |

So MANY birds flying around the Haystack Rock, not sure if it's their home or not.

Free public parking, but good luck getting a spot. Short walk to the beach.

Very impressive

By TonyD33 |

As part of a great beach walk this very impressive rock - much bigger than you think it will be - adds to the overall experience. If you like photography capturing the rock against a setting sun with the sea lapping around is very rewarding.

Puffins and Seabirds....

By AveburyL |

What a powerful and special place. Beautiful and ALIVE. Do go when the puffins are there. They are hard to see even with binoculars but it is worth it. Just sit for a few hours and watch. You'll see amazing things!

Best during low tide.

By Phillipstirsa G |

During low tide you can experience a wide array of sea life here, which is fun for kids and adults alike and most of the time, there is a city worker who can help you find the best items to look at.

Walk to the Rock...

By MickCornell |

The rocks are very interesting and an easy walk from the inn. The lighthouse is about a mile offshore so its a bit harder to get a good view.

Pretty Amazing!

By Cheryl S |

It’s just a big rock but it is extremely interesting! We saw lots of nesting birds, orange and Red Sea stars and mussels! We went at low tide and were able to get very close to it. It was worth the trip.

So much better than a picture

By RockyRaccoon |

Reading about Cannon Beach, I knew this was a must-see. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled about going to see a rock, but you know. Well, seeing it up close in person is impressive. Looking at the creatures after low tide is really interesting. Yep, if you visit here, you must see Haystack Rock.

Exploring Haystack Rock

By m347 |

It was great to see the tide pools at the base of Haystack Rock during low tide. Appreciate the staff overseeing the site and providing information about the tide pools and sea life there.

Impressive photo opportunity

By California_momofsix |

Haystack Rock is impressive, great photo opportunity. The beach around it is huge. Very safe to visit even during covid, there is sooo much room to socially distance. We parked in a pullout along South Hemlock street and walked down Center Street through a private neighborhood with beach access. At the end of Center street was a staircase that led down to the beach immediately across from the rock. But there are bigger parking lots in town for more longterm parking.

Iconic and beautiful

By Aubrey M |

I’ve always loved coming here. There are great tide pools by haystack to look around in for little critters. There are lots of beautiful sea anemones, purple ones and green ones.

Unique and Sectacular

By canmarto |

One of the World's truly bold and beautiful places. It's certainly a magnificent rock, alive with winged and sea creatures.

Yep, Looks Like A Haystack!

By Mark A. |

Friends took us to this beach. I was not expecting to see Haystack Rock. Serious cool factor. It looks bigger than it really is, but the rock is mesmerizing. Lots of people, with limited parking in the area. Busy during tourist season. Spent an hour walking the beach. Nice afternoon stop.

Rock off the road

By Ellen H |

Great place to let your hair down and go for a long jaunt, run or walk. Lots of neat species to see and discover.

Great for photography

By aaamylinnn |

Beautiful pictures. It was a great place to go with friends, family and your doggos! Parking not to hard to find. Bring jacket, as it gets windy!

Oregon’s iconic beach

By Jeanie J |

The Cannon Beach Hotel is a lovely half of a block from the beach at Haystack rock. Lovely vintage yet new hotel. Plenty of specialty restaurants within walking distance. Haystack rock ranger commentary at 6 PM every day.

Great place to go for a long walk!

By CAFamily |

We stayed at an airbnb directly across from Haystack Rock. It was wonderful to be able to go out and walk along the beach (and duck back into the house when it started raining!). Looked like parking was a bit limited. We were grateful to have parking at the house.

Simply beautiful

By RCUrb |

Just a beautiful setting. Amazing to see with the fog hanging around the horizon. Huge beach to walk on. Highly recommend.

It's A Decent Visit If You're Blessed With Great Weather

By craig1086 |

We had pouring rain the day we drove out to Cannon Beach. While driving down the main street, you can't help but see Haystack Rock due to the majestic size of it. It's in between a couple of rock formations on the beach. The wind was howling, and it made the rain even colder, but we did see one group of people that were still walking the beach. The weather had the tide coming further up almost to the staircases that bring you down from the street above. There's plenty of marine life you can see without even walking out that far onto the beach. On a good weather day, I'm sure it's amazing. However, to me it's just a beach that you walk up and down, as there are so many rocks in the sand. Also, the ocean water was frigid. But I'll always remember the visit. There's a free public parking lot down by the coffee shops. It's a short stop because there's not much to do in the town.

Iconic landmark that never disappoints

By SpaTravelInsider |

Everyone remembers this iconic rock guarding the beach. But it is only one of a series of rocks scattered next to it and along the beach. Perfect place to walk the dog or play in the sand.

If you go to Cannon Beach...you must visit Haystack Rock

By Mobile798042 |

Haystack Rock is such a part of Cannon Beach ...it is iconic.There is, truly, no bad time to visit Haystack Rock. But, the best time is early in the morning during low tide; when you can visit the surrounding tide pools and see starfish, sea anemones, crabs, etc.

Cannon Beach Go-To

By Rainier72 |

What more can be said about the go to place in Cannon Beach? Haystack Rock is fun to walk to and is very impressive. Lots of access points to the beach. Just have to figure out parking. I walked in from Tolovana Park and it was a nice walk to it. It is a wildlife area, so no climbing, just looking. I didn't see much wildlife, but still a fun look. Haystack Rock is popular for a reason. A must stop.

A site to see

By Kelly |

I’m an east coaster so the ocean is not new to me but this giant rock is a site to see. It’s enormous and amazing up close. You can see all kinds of ocean created stick to the rock and floating about. If you’re a goonies fan it makes it even cooler.

Cold and rainy

By Susan S |

Of course, the day we went to the beach was cold and rainy. But it was our first time seeing the Pacific Ocean so we were very excited. Even with the weather, we very much enjoyed our walk on the beach. Seeing the Haystack Rock was great. There were so many birds flying around. I would love to visit again on a sunny day.

Great beach

By mikecarp |

The image is one I've seen many times. It was nice to wander the beach nearby, especially at low tide. Highly recommended.

Visit during low tide

By Roberta S |

Such a great location to go "beach combing". Do yourself a favor & visit during low tide. You'll get to see so much sea life in the tide pools & attached to the rocks.

A good place to visit.....

By bob l |

We always enjoy spending a day at Cannon Beach. It's a great place to eat, and stroll through all the interesting shops, and then go for a long walk on the nice beach. Nice weather is a plus, but not necessary.

must see tadpools

By Alaka S |

We saw a star fish and it was just nice to see the sea floor when the tide was low. water was not too cold and the coastguard gave good information

Beautiful view

By tandmgroup |

Highly recommend a quick stop, easy walk to the beach to go down to the ocean and look at the huge majestic rock!

Bigger then expected

By APinkLady |

Haystack rock is a fabulous sight as you walk along Cannon Beach. All the pictures you see do not do this rock justice, its way bigger then it looks. It fabulous to see the ocean crashing against it. So calming and beautiful.

Finally!

By Garfieldluvr |

I've wanted to see this since I was a little girl watching the Goonies. I was so happy I was finally able to see it! Such a cool rock, and a beautiful beach to go along with it!

Majestic

By islandgurl2 |

Haystack Rock presides majestically over Cannon Beach, providing striking contrast to the smooth beach sands and crashing waves. See it soon, see it often and experience all its moods and intricacies.

Beautiful beach along the Oregon coast

By PaddleWarrior |

My teenagers and I visited Haystack Rock during our time along the Oregon coast this past summer. It is a beautiful place. The day we visited a group was stationed nearby that had telescopes for us to use to view the birds nested in the haystack.

beautiful rock formation on the Oregon Coast

By Jack V |

this is a really beautiful part of the Oregon Coast. You can see these rocks from all over the coast but take a minute or two to walk the beach in front of these rocks to really get a great look. you will see a great many birds resting or nesting on the rocks.

SO glad I visited Haystack Rock!

By 2nd_class_citizen |

Not living near a rocky ocean shore, I thought this was amazing. Go at low tide, which may be near 6 AM so you can discover exposed anemone and colorful sea stars! When the tide comes in, they are all covered again. Access is from a dead end road in the tiny town. GPS will take you there. Park in a public lot 1-2 blocks away. It's a bit of a walk, but so worth it. From the gate, walk the beach to the rock. You can't miss it - unless it's foggy... (then listen for the waves, walk toward them and turn left. Keep walking until you run into it! - or listen for the birds). Please, please be careful where you step when viewing. The anemone will be injured by your feet. The beach is also huge.
A friend told me not to miss this and I am so glad I took the advise!

Worth the drive between Seattle and Portland

By Kathy P. |

Found parking at a free lot and made the few block trek down to the beach. It was windy and a ton of people. Worth the stop over. Good place to let people stretch their legs. Cute little town but we did not stop at any of the shops or restaurants as they looked super busy and we were expected in Portland that evening.

Amazing place to visit

By reyes360 |

Wow!! Thats all I can say. We went to see the Rock every day and it did not disappoint. Great views and just a great time taking pics of the sunset and sunrise

Crowded beach with decent views.

By M West |

Haystack rock sits out from a fairly crowded beach. It is a very busy tourist destination with parking that requires a decent walk. Overall the views are pretty, but I feel there are better coastal areas in Oregon.

Puffins!

By PattyR2012 |

I took a beach walk from our room, a mile away, about 6:30 am before the wind picks up. I was hoping to see puffins and did! Just a few, but they were unmistakable with their bright red beaks flying around Haystack. More prevalent were cormorants and seagulls, but all of them circling the rock.

This is the rock from the Goonies!

By Scottkimn N |

Strangely enough, my wife and I had recently watched the goonies again before taking a trip to Cannon Beach and Astoria. Haystack rock is pretty much the main draw on this beach. It’s a large focal point you just can’t get away from. Beautiful and rugged. It was amazing to just look at.

If you take a look back at the movie, this is where they staged the pirate ship sailing off in the end.

Must see!!

By Lisa H |

An absolute "must see" when visiting the northern Oregon coast. Check the tide tables if your schedule allows that flexibility... you can get closer for better views at low tide! Cannon Beach has some wonderful shops and galleries, as well. Lots of dining options. Parking can be tricky so find a good central location to leave your car and enjoy walking through and around town!

Beautiful scenery

By Lisa M |

If you're not staying in Cannon Beach and can walk to the rock, arrive early to avoid crowds and get parking. Worth a visit though. I went at low tide and was able to walk right up to the rock and view it from various perspectives. I also explored the little tide pools around the rock.

A must see canon beach

By Travel804892 |

Perfect time of year with fewer crowds. Be sure to check the tide tables to visit at low tide. A beautiful beach site

We hit it at low Tide.

By Have Camera, Will Travel |

We were on the beach at low tide, which was both a plus and a minus. the plus is the tide pools of course. We could see starfish, some anemones, and lots of mussels. There were parks workers out explaining what we were looking at, which was nice since it kept people from touching everything. The tide pools were not as interesting as some we had seen, but they are always cool to see.

The minus is that it is actually a better picture if the rock looks like it is off shore. The Pacific City version is just amazing looking and it's a mile off shore. The beach itself was nice, fairly busy, and clean. We had a good walk around.

Up and Close

By Phil J |

Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach is a great place to get up close to one of Oregon's iconic rock formations. We had no problem finding parking in town, but that was in the October offseason. This is a wonderful place to walk the beach.

Enjoy from afar.

By Mike N |

Better visited when the conservationists aren’t there. I set foot on a rock where about 50 people were and got yelled at aggressively to “Get off the rock!!”. I was observing all posted signs and information and going where other people were. So rude. Will enjoy from afar and go to other beaches. I will not return to this beach.

Big Rock

By David B |

So this is a big Rock that is just off the shore and you can walk to at low tide. It's a nice place to take a walk too but not much else.

Beautiful!

By Mindy D |

We are staying at Cannon Beach for the week. Definitely make a stop here. Be sure to go at Low Tide to see all of the cool creatures and living species on the rock/s. This is a must-see if you are near Cannon Beach.

Amazing

By Kate |

Loved this experience for me and my pup.

We met so many other dogs and folks simply enjoying the scenery.

We went around 10-11 and it was still super foggy (it may have just been a foggy day) but we still enjoyed ourselves.

We parked in the overflow parking which isn’t too bad of a walk to the beach.

I’d suggest parking and then walking the beach to get the full experience especially if you have a dog.

Lots and lots of people by 1 and 2 (when we were leaving) get there early to secure a parking spot or come later.

For Goonies Lovers

By AMarie314 |

Goonies never say die! My friend humored me & let me visit this place that was featured in one of my favorite teenage films, The Goonies. The day was a bit grey but it was made brighter by a huge gathering of people with their Golden Retrievers. They were everywhere! Very happy pups enjoying the beach. It’s such a great spot & the view from other parts of Canon Beach are worth the time.

Finding parking is difficult

By minimize940314 |

If you are not staying at one of the fancy hotels along the beach, be sure to park your car at the nearest public parking lot since there are virtually no street parking. Google maps will not indicate the parking lot, rather a lookout. Be sure to park at the public parking lot and walk a bit, especially if you are here to catch a sunset.

Better to arrive at low tide

By alohatripper |

It took about 1.5H to reach Haystack Rock from Tillamook Creamery. Parking can be challenging on a busy, summer weekend, but today was not a problem. Once you transition from the road to the fine sand beach, you see it immediately. It is impressive. Since it wasn't low tide, we didn't walk the 10 min to the Rock's beach. There are lots of children, lots of dogs, and lots to take-in.

Beautiful beach

By Monica O |

Great beach to visit, lots of tourists around, walking their dogs, taking pictures. Seeing the rocks in the middle of the water is really neat!

Wow, big is not the word.

By 1991KEB |

Cannon beach is absolutely beautiful. Haystack rock takes your breath away in size and beauty. It took awhile to find parking and after several trys we finally found somewhere to take in this rock formation and walk along the water. There were people crabbing, dogs and kids playing and people braving the cold water. It was in a word FUN. I am glad we found parking and were able to stop.

Came to see the tide pools

By Russell3939 |

We came to see the tide pools. There is a very specific schedule you can find online. Unfortunately most of the area where the tide pools is now an animal sanctuary. It is closed off so that you cannot walk in the middle where the best tide pools are. Haystack rock is still very pretty to see but this is kind of a shame that it has been closed off. I guess Mother Nature should take precedence.

It's a rock. But a tall one near the beach with tidepools!

By surfercharlie |

Haystack rock is about the same height as a 23 story building, but it really doesn't look like it because the beach in front of it is so long and wide, as is the ocean behind it. However, it is still an awesome sight and during low tide offers lots of tidepool exploration. The day we visited was cold and tide was high, but there were a lot of people milling around. A few ventured out in the chilly waters to check on the tidepools.

Super

By julian070886 |

A really nice beach whether in sunshine or fog. You always find great photo motifs. But you should also dress warmly in summer.

Magestic to see

By Becki C |

This is lovely place to see whether it is clear, rainy, foggy. It can be quite the hike out to the area if you are parking right in town.

Gorgeous landmark - just as expected!

By Kari R |

Loved finding this beach and Haystack rock! The beach was so nice - flat and great for walking! There are a number of other sea stacks in the area. During low tide, we even found some fun creatures in the tide pools!.

One note - it is very busy so if you want pictures without others in them, I would go early in the morning.

Also great access to local businesses and restaurants.

Iconic

By Old Pro |

What's not to love? Probably the most iconic scenic view in all of the Oregon coast. Well worth the stop If you're into sightseeing. It can be difficult to find parking during High season but it's nice to walk on the beach and get close to the Rock

Beautiful

By Mitchell J |

I have always wanted to visit this beach and this rock. I wanted to photograph it for a very long time and now that it has come and past I want to go back!

Would recommend to anyone!

Be here early and catch Friends of Haystack Rocks.

By Traveler❤️Vacations |

On the surface this is just another rock.

But it is the habitat of so many types of animals. Here I have seen some amazing tide pool sea creatures and lots of birds, including the rare Tufted Puffins.

The best part of being here is because the volunteers from Friends of Haystack Rock are there almost every morning to show you what tide pool animals are around during low tide, or loan you a good binoculars to see the birds on the rock.

There are many other beaches with good rocks and great views and sea animals and birds. But what you get here is the tufted puffins and Friends of Haystack Rock!!!

I really love this rock and beach!

By chadwina |

It is quite a trek (no matter what) to get to the rock - but it is SO worth it! I usually park in a lot in the city area and walk through the sandy entrance. I had a bit of food before hand and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset on the beach. Just lovely!

One of several large rocks just off the coast near Cannon Beach

By Steve R |

Really just a big rock outcropping just off the coast. you can swm or boat out to it, stare, ewwww and ahhhh, snap some pics and you're done. Very interesting and pretty though.

Majestic

By Michele O |

We were able to walk along the beach which was not too crowded this time of year. The views were spectacular.

Love hay stack rock!

By kati2006 |

Have been to cannon beach millions of times and never get tired of hay stack rock. If you go on low tide, you can see so many sea creatures from little crabs to big sea stars. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program is annoying though. They post signs every where disturbing the sight. They are there eager to discipline than educate. My was showing my little kids crabs hiding in the rocks and got yelled that I should not touch the sea star. Then she realized I did not and apologized. My daughter said they took away all the fun. If you want to check tidal pool please choose other places. You will feel free to watch without being watched.

well protected rock

By conifer |

Loved chatting with the young lady in the red jacket and truck with the signs protecting the beloved rock from being approached by foot traffic, or worse yet, dogs! Full of information as well as dedication, we were able to put names to the birds we were seeing on and about this monolith.

Beautiful views and extensive rookeries on rocks

By porter_osborne |

Our favorite part of day trip to Cannon Beach. We enjoyed the beach and views as well as the varied seabirds/ shore birds to view (with binoculars) on the rocks. Had a pleasant picnic on the beach as well.

Haystack Rock

By Trav_LN_now |

Weather was dreary when we were there, but it doesn't take away from the views of Hackstack Rock. When the tide is out you can walk the large beach. There is a great free parking area with beach access and chemical toilets. We had a great visit with the very photogenic rocks.

Huge

By Amanda I |

An astonishing work of nature. It's so weird to see huge rocks just jutting out of the ocean. Even in the rain and King Tide, it was still a great stop!

Both Fun and Educational!

By Karen L |

If you’ve never had the chance to visit Haystack Rock you’re missing out! This is a behemoth of nature’s beauty sitting in front of paradise! What makes it even more fun is there’s a group of folks (called HRAP) that “protect” the rock during low tide by helping visitors know what the rock and the surrounding sea life is all about. They explain what all the living creatures are and why walking in the tide pools destroys the echo system that everyone wants to thrive. My grandchildren had so much fun learning not only what “lives” there in the water but what also is living in the rock above! It’s much more than just Puffins and Eagles! AMAZING stuff!

Not as impressive as some of the other stops we made along the coast

By micheleelf |

This was not as impressive to us as the other sites we had seen up the entire coast. We took some pictures but only stayed about 5 minutes and moved on.

beautiful & unique

By S2349DQjudyg |

Sorry to say we only got to walk close to it a couple days. We were there at the same time as the fires on the coast so it became almost impossible to see.

Great view of Haystack from lovely SandSurf hotel

By cary527 |

Had the last room available at the hotel - a studio with a fireplace, comfortable bed, and view of Haystack Rock. Highly recommend. Also the sister hotel, the Stephanie Inn, is terrific, too.

Better than expected

By Allison D |

Rock and view is cool to look at BUT the tide pools are what got me. So fun and unique. I saw starfish, jellyfish, colorful anemones

Beautiful nature

By CandiTravels |

Amazing to see this rock jutting out of the paficic. It's an amazing thing to see and snap photos as you walk on the beach.

So beautiful!

By Anne C |

This was our first trip to Oregon and the Pacific Coast was stunning!! The day we went was sunny and beautiful. We look forward to coming back. :-)

Cool Rock

By gfm1118 |

The rock and the many smaller rocks along the coast are unique and interesting. It/they are among the gorgeous site along the Oregon Coast. I wouldn’t plan a weeks vacation around them. Cannon Beach is not that interesting and the water is too cold to enjoy a day of swimming. Stop, walk to it, get a couple of photos and move on.

Great views and fun to watch the birds

By AmityTraveler222 |

You need to be able to walk to get out to the rock area. Low tide is fun as there is more to see. High tide brings more spectacular wave splashes.

It’s a rock

By Edwelsh |

It’s an accessible, millions years old, 235 foot tall rock in the Pacific Ocean! And it’s right at the edge of water on the beautiful Cannon Beach. It’s a bird sanctuary and an environmental wonder. But, forget all that, it’s just an amazing sight to behold. The surf, the sunlight, the long flat beach, the reflections, the crashing waves, the mist and all the different angles make this a beautiful spot for amateur photographers like myself. It’s one of those places, that when you see it in real life, it’s just wow!

Massive monolith

By SunnyandBuster |

Haystack Rock is iconic of the Oregon Coast. It is magnificent and a living presence on the beach with fabulous tide pools and home to many different types of birds. The whole beach is a fabulous walk but seeing a sunset behind Haystack is a real treat.

Oregon honeymoon

By BillB_MD_2018 |

We took an easy ride out to Cannon Beach from Portland , and were amazed at the beauty and serenity of Haystack Rock and the gorgeous beach. We enjoyed wonderful fresh seafood nearby at Ecola Seafood, along with a great local brew IPA by Buoy. After that, a scenic drive down 101 to Tillamook to the cool visitors center at the well known dairy, right on the road. Easy loop back to Portland from there.

Most stores are only open Wednesday through Sunday 2-7:00 pm

By Tansy2015 |

This is such a great beach. Nice public parking area, with restrooms! Cute little shops and eateries in this mini downtown area.

Anniversary

By memo80 |

First time to Cannon Beach heard of this Haystack Rock many times SO we stayed at The Hallmark Resort and it's just steps away, as a matter many guests can enjoy the view from the comfort of their room! Wonderful SMOOTH sandy beach and this magnificent rock surrounded by our beautiful Pacific Ocean in the background I heart Oregon...

Puffins in August!

By JanelleK |

We saw numerous pairs of Puffins on Haystack in mid August!! The tide pools and waves and care of the beach (all the campfires at night pretty cool to see) all feed into the mystical ambiance of this place. If you can, stay at Hallmark Resort and soak it all in directly day and night. Separate great review for them too. Haystack is sea birding paradise!

Amazing

By Marie V |

My daughter was in haw of all the different rock formation and all she could see when the tide went down

Spectacular Nature at Cannon Beach!

By NewRecipesForLife |

There is something magical about Haystack and surrounding jutting rocks that appear serene yet ominous along Cannon Beach.

I recommend all visitors to experience this natural splendor at any time of day. A walk at dawn or a splendid sunset bonfire will punctuate your experience.

It’s a Rock!

By Cynthia V |

Now I’ve seen it! HO Hummm. But the drive south was very pretty and reminiscent of my favorite Big Sur drive south, with different flowers and stranded rocks! Very fortunate to have had a clear day and summer over with school back in session and few tourists!

Iconic

By PandaHouston |

I think when people see photos of the Oregon Coast, they see pictures of Haystack Rock, a huge rock on Cannon Beach. There are various parking areas you can choose from, some requiring more walking than others to reach Haystack Rock. We got lucky late in the day on Tuesday 7/27 and found a spot on the side of the road with stairs leading right to Haystack Rock. Where we parked, it was free.

Beautiful from all directions

By mbernst106 |

No matter which way you approach Haystack, it is beautiful. The light and reflections change throughout the day and evening and is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Good Little Stop

By Hot_Dog1590456 |

This was a nice hour just looking around at the beach and the rocks. It gets crowded and parking isn't the easiest to find.

Huge

By Jason Gets Around |

Pictures don't do this rock justice. Take some time and get up as close as you can. (no climbing though!)

Rock of Ages

By Elizabeth D |

Visiting this wondrous creation at low tide is so spectacular. On my last trip in May, I was rewarded with my first view of a puffin nesting on the rock. A gentleman that was with The Haystack Rock educational team found one through his telescope. When I told him that I had been coming almost 60 years and had not seen one, he made sure to make my wish come true by looking until he spotted one for me. This trip was much quieter with the birds not nesting, but the life in the tide pools did not disappoint. I love to see the young families enjoying God's creation too.

Bucket List!

By Nikzleez |

This was one of the highlights of my road trip one of my bucket lists items. It is as beautiful as the pictures and so many opportunities to get amazing shots. We went at sunset. I even saw a bald eagle thanks to a friendly bird enthusiast/photographer.

Mici Big Rock

By Old Pro |

Yep, it's a big rock all right . I never did find out how the hell it got there. It's definitely worth checking out in the whole reason to go to Cannon Beach. A shirt 10-minute walk and you can be out there at low tide. Just to know that there is no parking at the beach you have to park a block away at a public parking lot which is often times full

Beauty any time of day.

By Wish2BretiredRN |

Reflections in the water at sunset are great. Its a fabulous destinations for beach walking from either direction.

Rock cool, Puffins a bonus

By Kevin J |

If you're in the area, definitely worth the walk along the beach. What made it special was having the State Park folks set up with a telescope so we could see the Puffins. Very cool.

Beautiful!

By larmc5 |

Very striking rock formation on a beach bordering a quaint seaside town with lots of good restaurants and unique shopping experiences.

Beauty that lies beneath the ocean is reveled in beautg.

By MerchantSource |

Amazing beauty of the ocean washes out to sea revealing the life contained inside is ebs and flows.beauty. Dont miss this view.

Beautiful!

By Cooper Murphy |

One of our all-time favorite places to visit in Oregon! Going at low-tide allows you to explore many of the rocks around the larger Haystack Rock to see all sorts of marine life. It is truly a beautiful place to visit and gorgeous at sunset.

Beautiful view

By plrbear2231 |

Watch the tide cause it could stand you on the rock. Lifeguard station close by for just that reason.

Never tired of this rock!

By Diane P |

I’ve been coming to Cannon Beach since the 50’s and still love to see Haystack Rock. I can’t even imagine how many photos I have of it in all weather, with many friends and family, alone, majestic. Indeed a special place full of memories.

A must see iconic photo op

By MaryDfromChicago |

We looked forward to visiting Haystack Rock to get our tourist photo op checked off of our list. The magnitude of the rock did not disappoint and we were able to get great photos.
Really happy to see that they station someone out there to keep people from climbing and preserve the area.

Awesome formation

By Kathrine |

An incredible and majestic formation. Simply beautiful at all hours of the day - sunset was really spectacular. Do seek out the tidepools and discover them. We saw huge starfish and many birds. If you are near the coast and Cannon Beach, do make a point to stop to see it.

Don't Come here on the Weekends

By richardfsjr |

I've been to Cannon Beach numeerous times and I have learned never to come here on the Weekend from Memorial Day weekend until the end of October. There are tons of people and trying to find parking is a nighmare. I come during the week, and I really do enjoy it here. Best time to come is between May and Labor Day to see the Tufted Puffins.

Iconic must see

By Cheyb29 |

My husband’s favorite stop on the Oregon coast. It was a fun beach and my daughter had a good time playing in the sand and water. Free parking for our truck and trailer was within walking distance. It was not terribly crowded on a Sunday afternoon even though the streets of the town of Cannon Beach were full.

Goonies Never Say Die

By Debbie D |

Always wanted to see this ever since I watched the Goonies when it came out. I was not disappointed! The rock formation is stunning and the pictures don't do it justice. You just have to see it for yourself. We arrived at sunset and low tide to check out the tide pools. It still wasn't low enough to see much, but I was able to see a purple sea star and lots of green anemones. The staff that monitor everyone are super friendly and very knowledgeable. It was freezing weather so there weren't a lot of people there which made it even better for us. A must see for sure!!

Spectacular Views

By MarkXSmith |

Growing up in the 80's and 90's it was amazing to visit this Goonies landmark. It's funny how the movie made it seem that Haystack Rock and The Needles were just right down the hill from the house when it is about 30 minutes away from Astoria. From mountains to beach, this place has it all. I would definitely recommend for everyone not just Goonies kids to see this coast line and rock formation. Also Seaside is a town nearby with great shopping and eats! Nice day trip if your in the Astoria area.

So cool to see!

By RVtherenow |

We came just to view this rock. We were pleasantly surprised to find special RV parking just a few blocks from the beach. We were worried because the electronic construction signs coming into town said expect crowds and no parking. I wish we brought our dogs with because everything is so dog friendly including the beach!

Rock

By E.L.E |

Beautiful sight by the beach. I visited in the morning and there was a lot of people taking pictures of the rock. Would've liked to get closer to it. Loved it

Wow

By modernlizbennet |

I expected a rock jutting out of the ocean maybe 20 feet. Not 200! Got very lucky to walk right up to it at low tide. The Cannon Beach employees there are very helpful.

Beautiful

By Gordo |

We stayed at Lands End, and so drove down closer to Haystack and hiked out to the rock. We were very lucky to visit at low tide, and so were able to get up close to the rock. Absolutely beautiful.

Sea life

By Cathy L |

Lots of sea life around the rock(s) and a great place to watch sunset. It’s a lot larger than I expected.

Walk the Beach, Watch the Sunset

By DoloresJacoby.Let’sTravel.98368 |

Cannon Beach offers a respite after driving the wild coast with its teens and lookouts. Be sure to find time at sunset and enjoy!

Iconic Symbol of Cannon Rock

By Lourdes M |

The 235-foot sea stack is the tallest in the region. At low tide one can walk right up to the rock and feel dwarfed by the huge rock. The beach is packed sand and very conducive to long walks. Our inn was a block away from the beach and about a mile and half from Haystack Rock -- a perfect morning walk on a beautiful day.

A worthy icon

By Polie2too |

An icon that lives up to its reputation. My family stayed within site of it, and it was such a pleasure to be able to stroll up to the tidal pools every morning and view the rock @ different times of the day. People watching is always interesting too. The naturalists standing watch around it are informative but sometimes abrasive.

It Rocks

By Tim & Deedee Reich |

Never disappointed when visiting the Rock! We travel to Cannon Beach numerous times a year. It seems like enjoyed the beach always close to the Rock is a must.

Amazing !! A must see.

By Traveling4Real |

WOW! WOW! WOW!!
A buddy & I drove down to Cannon Beach for a couple days. The weather couldn’t have been better. We visited Haystack Rock 5 times during our visit, witnessing both Sun & Moon rises & sets. This place is truly amazing. I’ll certainly make this a regular spot to visit & cannot recommend enough.

Beautiful, Scenic & A Must-See

By Grewgirl4 |

What can possibly be said about this gorgeous beach that hasn’t already been said??? Couldn’t wait to finally visit and see the area in person, and it did not disappoint! Even though we were prepared for some windy, wet weather, I was not prepared for how absolutely fast the weather changes from rain to sun and back again!!! Haystack Rock was bigger than I ever imagined, and I was shocked to see people actually swimming/playing in the surf. I loved how open the area was and that you could actually walk right up to everything if you wanted. Close-toed shoes advised for walking any distance on the beach.

Disappointing -- crowded -- harassment of wildlife

By Hannah Davis |

When we set off on our Oregon trip, Haystack Rock was one of the most highly talked about and recommended places for us to visit. We went in early August around 2-3 PM. We found parking next to Mo's Restaurant and walked from there to Haystack Rock.

Once we made it to the rock we saw that there was a large area sanctioned off by ropes and stakes and lots of signs about staying out of these areas and not poking or collecting any of the tide pool creatures. However, despite all of this, there was lots of people (both adults and children) picking up anemones, poking them, catching other wildlife in nets and trampling through restricted areas. We also saw dogs digging in the sand in the restricted areas. The area was covered up with people and due to the harassment of the wildlife, all the anemones were closed and the other tide pool inhabitants were gone or fleeing.

I have heard many good reviews of this area, so I feel like we may have arrived at a bad time. This would be an excellent area to visit if it was less crowded and the individuals visiting were respectful of the wildlife.

I would definitely still recommend stopping, as this is a must-see Oregon landmark, but I would try hard to visit during a less crowded time.

Beautiful Scenery

By Chuck Y |

Beautiful scenery. My wife and I walked the long beaches a couple of hours at a time. The towns of Cannon Beach and Seaside are full of food establishments & pubs. We camped in an RV Park. It was very windy one night with wind gusts up to 72 km / hr. The last week of Sept was a rainy week when we went. There's various hikes and some kayaking that can be done. If you're into the outdoors, this is a visit worth making.

Spectacular seaside area

By Pam S |

Spectacular scenery at Haystack rock and it is FREE
A fun place to visit
Interesting sea life, lots of soaring birds
The rocks are huge over 235 feet
Great restaurants in the area

November 2020

By C8572FHstephanief |

Beautiful. During the summer the weather is mild and night time is great for a bonfire and looking at the stars. During the Fall, Winter and Spring its a completely different place. Storms that can push you back rain that seems to come from every side and you can pretty much have the whole beach to yourself.

Iconic Rock

By Tracey M |

It was exciting to see this iconic rock. It is hug and raises out of the ocean in a commanding way. Cannon beach is also beautiful...you could spend hours here.

Beautiful beach and well deserved reputation for Haystack

By _tomnguyen001 |

This is a wonderful beach area. Long strand of beige and fine sand (almost 4 miles). Water is cold even in the late summer. The rock is really impressive - particularly at sunset. It juts out of the ocean - on high tide - and the rock is flanked by two smaller sets of rock... Just a wonderfully beautiful sight to see

Love the beach!

By ZachManfried1981 |

I’m from Missouri and I’d never seen the ocean before, and this was so amazing (although the water was cold!) I always thought oceans were like California or Hawaii, but this was so different and I loved it.

Bucket list

By slidermuzz |

It’s certainly a must see. There are, however, many nicer and less crowded areas nearby. Beautiful though.

Beautiful!

By Theresa P |

Wow! Beach a little crowded but the views! This is a must see. Parking is limited. Short walk to site.

LOVE

By C K |

I love this spot! It was good for my soul... We stayed at the Hallmark Resort and we had a view of Haystack from our room. We enjoyed exploring the tide pools during low tide. We also had a bonfire two nights while visiting on the beach with the Haystack Rock in the background. It was amazing.

Beautiful sunset!

By Monica N |

Beautiful! We made it right before sunset. Was able to catch the pretty amber skies. After sunset it got dark quick. Went to grab a beee at the Pelican near by to close our the perfect night!

Awesome sea stack

By Ed H |

One of my favorite places to explore. Low tide is the time to go. Lots of interesting sea life to observe. Take a peak into the cave.

Amazing beach and rock

By BrakiWorldTraveler |

Absolutely do come here to admire this natural wonder. Parking can be tricky and hard to find.
Beach is wide and long and the Haystack rock looked amazing even in bad weather.
You can walk all around during the low tide, approach the small pools and ask rangers whatever interests you.

Gorgeous beach

By kira |

I never thought I would ever find a beach different from others. But I have to say this.
This is an absolutely gorgeous beach. We were for two days. First day it rained heavily. We visited in early . May The second morning had some sun and the beach looked like heaven on earth.
It has a vast span which makes it much different from other coastlines I have seen.

interesting formation

By MaddysTrip |

Interesting rock formation. Makes for interesting pictures. Easy walk down to the beach to view or view from above.

Stay

By Thurman K |

Where to begin to Write about this Unique Rock. This Towering Rock that Sits right at where Sand Meets Ocean. If Memory serves me well ,in the past, a person could climb it, as of now it is not accessible. If the Tide is right you can explore the many sea creatures that house themselves around the many rocks around it. This Towering Giant when Coming or Going from Cannon Beach, a Person would never forget. It is like the Ocean it cannot be Tamed, it will Always be its Own.

Best of nature

By Traveller_123 |

Wonderful place to spend time. The beach is ideal for walking whole day. It is clean and has a long mile stretch. The water is cold and no fun in taking a splash.

Amazing Views

By zigglovers |

Amazing views and iconic for Oregon. Beautiful views. Great to take pictures. It was our first time in Oregon or Oregon coast.

Amazing in person - a must see!

By Sherri R |

Windy, cloudy day, low tide, but coming in, lots of tide pools, lots of bird watching people, but such a cool experience! Glad we stopped by. Vast beach, got to see the Needles next to the Haystack, and enjoyed the town of Cannon Beach.

What can one say about this beautiful monument of nature!

By AnnSusanAnn |

Haystack Rock is monumental in its glory! The beach is open and pleasant and doesn't seem to be overcrowded even with people there. Very peaceful!

Find a log or chair and just sit for a while

By Nick |

I have found very few places as calming as Cannon Beach. The pace is slow and the people are few - at least during the off season.

I’ve been here a number of times and my ultimate favorite thing to do is just sit and let my heartbeat match the rhythm of the ocean.

Worth the effort

By carlotaTravel4fun |

The Haystack is an incredible site As the clouds come in and cover the rock,and then the sun emerges causing the rock to change expression creating an ever changing canvas. Parking is an issue. There is a public lot, but the spaces are small. We have a 4 wheel drive pickup and couldn’t make the tight turns to get on any available spots. Some people parked on the street south of the rock , but instead of walking back towards town they walked up the hill. You do get a view of the Haystack, but walking the same distance back toward town, turn left at the Wayfarer sign and walk to the beach puts you on the beach where you can walk close to the rock . It was worth the effort to see the rock

Beautiful beach

By Traveling One |

We came here in mid-June and it was COLD our first day with temperatures around 60, windy, and a little bit of rain. Our second day we had sunshine but it was still pretty chilly in the evenings. Despite the cold, we had a good time exploring this beach! Its a beautiful walk between Haystack Rock and Bird's Rock to bird watch! We saw lots of common murres but no puffins. Also loved how driving into Cannon beach the first thing you see is Haystack Rock when you get a glimpse of the ocean!

Beautiful in any weather

By KrissyR3 |

Impressive rock with surrounding tidepools. We visited during some light rain and wind. Definitely worth a stroll out to the rock.

Passing by? You must stop.

By SCOTT W |

What a great view. If you have time, stop the car walk on the beach. Low tide gives a lot a room to roam. So, relaxing. Parked at the public parking and walked the block to see a wonderful beach view.

Nature's Beauty

By _zando55dwa |

This is such an amazing thing of beauty. It's too bad you can no longer get on it, if only people had treated it with respect. It's still a sight to see.

Surreal during negative tide

By Ellen28 |

I loved this place. So awesome . Not all low tides are the same. Ask a ranger about the negative tide so you can see the rock most exposed. Totally gorgeous. They’ll tell you not to step on the rocks and of course, don’t touch the habitat. (Shockingly hard for some folks). Lots of birds nesting on top too. This is a must.

It's stunning any time of the day!

By Joey G |

The "Rock" never disappoints, always stunning to look at any time of the day but most specially at sunset. We never forget to stop by Cannon Beach whenever we're on the Oregon coast just to view this rock and walk on the beach.

Must see

By Jennifer Wallace |

Absolutely stunning. The entire Pacific coast is beautiful but when you walk up to the beach and see that in Normas rock in the ocean, it takes your breath away. It’s a spiritual thing. When I get back to the little town, there’s tons of shops and places to eat and that’s fine but it’s really about the ocean nature. Don’t forget to go to the state parks nearby. Amazing.

Dreamlike

By AndreaUbok |

Beautiful morning at Haystack rock. There is free parking across the street and restrooms. The clouds were low and Haystack rock looked dreamlike. Beautiful beach and love the roar of the ocean

Amazing

By John J |

A very interesting sight to view. These massive rocks are great to see especially when it is low tide, and during sunset. A must stop is doing the coast.

Cool thing to see but stay in the car

By ZMAN3411 |

When you drive up near it- it really is something to see! But don’t take the time to try & find parking to walk up to see it- there are people everywhere taking pictures and it takes away from its beauty.

Visit during lie tide

By Kevin R |

We just happened to be there during low tide and it was cool to see the anemone, snails and oysters in the rocks near Haystack Rock.

Beautiful!

By Renee W |

We came here for our anniversary. The beach is so unique and so beautiful. Lots of sealife to look at, and just plain beautiful beach. It is kept clean and it is extremely pretty. I ran on the beach every morning before breakfast. Stunning!

Amazing Haystack Rock

By Lost Lobstah |

We first saw the incredible rock from Rte 101 Highway. Then visited popular beach b c of the truly amazing Haystack Rock. We were lucky 🍀 with the weather and enjoyed a nice dinner first at Mo’s (on the beach) and ventured out to walk the beach and get some great photos of Haystack

A must see area!

By WilsonsWay |

Haystack Rock is wonderful to see but the beach all around it is the real gem. This is a must see along the Oregon coast.

Beautiful, cold and Sunny!

By Victoria B |

It was beautiful and sunny! Wear a warm coat during the spring time, the Ecological volunteers are out there every low tide. They can answer questions and point out finds in the tide pools. We saw a Golden Eagle, sea birds and creatures. If you can get out to the earlier low tide, there are fewer people. Beautiful views and sunsets. They also allow fires on the beach at night.

Towering scenery and raw Nature

By Ernie S |

It was a long walk from our inn situated in north Cannon Beach but worth the effort to see Haystack Rock up close. The rock is surprisingly green and lush, with meadows on top, and most interesting is a huge nesting area for many sea birds. The highlight of my visit was watching thousands of birds screech in alarm, then fill the sky in a black cloud of panic. Out of this swarming body of birds came one figure, a Bald Eagle, clutching an unfortunate nesting bird. It was an amazing closeup view of raw Nature.

Serene

By MariaBCalifornia |

My husband and I thought Haystack Rock was incredible. There were so many birds flying around it and sitting on it, then you could see all sorts of sea anemones and other sea life when the water was shallow around it. So much prettier than we expected it to be. Very calming and peaceful to look at.

From any angle

By John F |

Great stop. It has a different look from every angle, in every light, in any weather. You can see it up close from a couple of stops. And, see it from some distant spots. We liked every different view that we got. There is a lot of good, free public parking stops and spots in Canon Beach to see it. Not the #1 stop on the AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL Oregon coastline. But, well worth a stop and you can pair it up with breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee stop. Canon Beach has a lot of choices.

Beautiful!

By Ralph S |

Haytstack Rock is one of the wonders of the world to see... A simple stroll along Cannon Beach is very relaxing. No worries!

Beautiful!

By andrealkelly |

Got there a low tide and saw all sorts of creatures in the tidal pools. Beautiful area and lots of great photo opportunities.

Beautiful stroll

By dwg51357 |

Fun beach to walk along and take in the amazing Oregon coastline. Even on a chilly, windy November morning, this visit was terrific.

Awesome rock formation shaped like a haystack

By BigMerk |

We took a huge detour driving from Olympia to Portland just to see the beach and especially the rock. I have seen many photos so it was great to visit in person. The rugged Oregon coast throws waves onto the rock and beach. It’s walkable at low tides (though there were protestors on-site discouraging this).

Super Foggy

By Lorne B |

It would have been really cool to see all the wildlife living on the rock. The water was super cold and it was EXTREME fog. Could barely see 10 feet in front of you. Would return and give this another chance though.

Day Visit

By treasy |

Beautiful! My sister and I took my mother who is 94 and wanted to see Haystack Rock again. The last time she had been there was with my father who has been deceased for 10 years. We had a nice lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Rock and a pleasant day, all in all.

Not just a rock, also a home!

By brmusicman |

The Oregon Coast is stunning, and Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach is definitely a highlight. We were staying nearby and enjoyed several long walks on Cannon Beach; Haystack Rock was a feature of each walk and is beautiful in all types of weather. It was a photographer’s paradise; it was so cool to see how the light (affected by time of day, weather, etc.) changed the scene.

Haystack Rock isn’t just a rock, though: it’s a home! It’s in an intertidal zone and thus it is teeming with fascinating types of intertidal life: mussels, barnacles, starfish, etc. It was cool to see and learn about (by reading online about what we’d seen) all of the ocean life.

Gorgeous and worth your time—and, at least in October, never overly crowded.

Day trip to famous haystack

By Momo |

Waited carefully to arrive haystack rock at low tide. Searched hard and patiently to find a place to leave the car and get out to the world renowned stone.
National agency has now completely blocked any access for 100 yds. Extremely disappointing to entire family. Not worth the trip at all.

Worth a stop

By vanisle_al |

This is one of the many beautiful spots on the Oregon coast. One of the most scenic drives in North America. It is getting expensive though. We have not visited it recently.

Beautiful Place

By IlliniTrav |

One of the most beautiful places I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Check the tide charts and go at low tide so that you can explore the tide pools. Early morning is peaceful.

Big rock

By eshaynes |

Time of year (February) is a slow time for this area. Therefore we didn’t have the problem of parking or crowds. It wasn’t low tide when we were there but the rock is still neat to see. It’s much bigger then pictures depict, very impressive. Went for a nice walk on the beach, lots of dogs and people having fun.

Incredible & Beautiful

By Val636 |

A must stop & see if in Oregon. My wife and I took a walk along the shoreline with a bottle of wine in hand and just enjoyed the view. Very peaceful, relaxing and romantic

Impressive Site

By swearengen |

We stayed on the beach in Canon Beach and took a nice walk along the water to Haystack. Very cool to see up close.

Great walking beach!

By Richard R |

A great beach for a walk. Long and flat. Interesting shoreline on the east and surf to the west. And the dogs are fun to watch too.

A worthy rock~

By Pinelakemo |

It feels a bit odd to give a review for a rock, but its all about the location. This beach is absolutely perfection, a dogs wonderland and cool tide pools at low tide.

Puffins

By Suseq |

Check the time of year and watch the tide schedules, amazing beach. Dog friendly and super clean. One of my favorite beaches in Oregon.

haystack rock

By jenlakeliving |

spend the day. check for tide reports. You will need to know when tide comes in and out or you could arrive at wrong time. The tide pools showing starfish and other rock dwellers, beautiful. long beach walk. spend the day. town is quaint and food is good.

Beautiful any time of the day!

By HMAD2015 |

I loved Haystack Rock. The beach itself is just lovely and with the morning fog, it looks so dreamy.

Always a spectacular site

By Hello_Dede |

Try to go when the tide is out so you can explore the tide pools. Great photo opportunities. A nice walk in the great saltwater air!

Prime at low tide

By Stephen S |

Fun visit at low tide, can walk out to rock, see tide pools, sea stars. Volunteers helpful and informative.

Monolithic Haystack Rock - Like Moths to a Flame

By John T |

I'm glad I was finally able to visit this site. A picture of Haystack Rock was pre-loaded as a wallpaper on my computer and many times I'd sit and think being there as opposed to a stuffy office. I was very pleased to be able to finally visit here.

The location on Cannon Beach's long, broad, sandy shore couldn't be better. Haystack Rock's massive size is the focal point for miles around and it attracts beach walkers like moths to flame. Before you know it you're standing there - looking at a giant rock with your camera in hand. At low tide there are some pretty nice tidal pools but compared to other areas along the Oregon coast there are much better tidal pools elsewhere.

Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach reminded me a lot for Morro Rock at Morro Bay in California but I've learned that the geology is bit different. Just fyi... Morro Rock is a volcanic plug where as Haystack Rock is formed from a massive lava flow.

Site seeing

By Lord_Tater |

Passing by the area, I had to swing by and see the famous rock on the beach. The area is beautiful, easy to lose track of time walking around and plenty to see whether it be ocean, scenery, or animal life.

Big Rock

By Charles M |

So I’m no big fan of the goonies or anything but it was pretty cool to see this big rock. Nice spot.

Puffins ahoy!

By David G |

Haystack Rock is magnificent! We visited in the Spring and the birds around the rock were everywhere! We wanted to see the Puffins, and were lucky to see dozens flying around! We could not see their nests as it would seem they are on the ocean side of the rock. The volunteers in the red trucks were available for questions about the area and birds in specific. One showed us how to tell the birds apart by their wing pattern during flight! We went at low tide so that we could also view the tide pools around the rock.

Very cool

By stasee000 |

This was a great beach - fantastic scenery and not too crowded. It was absolutely beautiful. Check it out!

Amazing, just amazing

By TOURtheWORLDMexPal |

Walk on the beach by the haystack rock is a must while visiting cannon beach, be aware of weather changes throughout the day especially when rain is expected so you can plan accordingly. Brink a binocular to see the birds on the rock, and just in case you are really lucky to spot the “Puffins”.

A Beautiful Reason for a Walk

By Alverda3 |

At low tide, walk out to this rock and marvel in it's majesty and beauty. You may run into a group of people whose mission is to protect and educate the public about the eco system of this rock.

My husband and I stayed at Land's End hotel and it was approximately 1 mile to the rock via the beach route. A great way to enjoy the views and get some exercise.

Um, hello! The Goonies opening scene was filmed here! Must see! <3

By Aaron M |

Traveling down the Oregon coast, this is the perfect place to stop and grab lunch and take a photo of this iconic monolith! Such a striking piece of nature, no matter which angle, you’ll get a great shot! The entire town is clean. Ample parking, cute boutiques. Comfortably budget out 2 hours. 1 hour for walking the beach and another hour to explore the town of Cannon Beach.

Cannons coastal attractions

By Karla K |

Historical landmark with great views around every angle. Tide pools, Funtastic adventures, Mo’s to the south and Castaways at north end of town are delicious delights

Beautiful!

By bethiegrace |

Loved getting to finally go out to the beach and see Haystack Rock! Absolutely gorgeous and can't wait to go back.

Puffins!

By Bill K |

We were fortunate to visit on a beautiful clear May afternoon. The puffins were nesting on Haystack Rock when a bald eagle flew by and the sky darkened with puffins...one of the coolest things I have seen.

I was struck by how clean and well-kept this beach was. The community obviously cares about the upkeep.

Stunning centerpiece of Cannon Beach

By Bearwife |

The “rock,” actually a huge bird sanctuary, dominates Cannon Beach. It’s gorgeous in all weather. Just take it in from a distance and leave the birds in peace.

Big rock, many birds

By Birdman Johnson |

Haystack Rock is a large rock shaped vaguely like a pile of hay, located just offshore from Cannon Beach, Oregon. Being a large rock at the beach, there are many birds around it. If you like big rocks and lots of birds, this is the rock for you.

An evening stole by Haystack Rock

By Arjun S |

The beach is a popular spot for many to sit by a bonfire and watch the sunset. The rock itself is beautiful and adds perspective to the endless Pacific Ocean. Dress warmly and be prepared for a potential sprinkle of rain.

beautiful!!!

By Orit A |

If you wait for the low tide in the morning or at night (exact hours can be found in the Tolovana inn reception) you can walk up to the rock - it is a magnificent vies both at sunset and in the morning.

Lowtide visit to Haystack Rock to see sea life

By Amy C |

We went back to Cannon beach to see Haystack Rock at low tide to see the sea life. The sun came out for a bit so we could capture some great shots of the sea life and the rock. Then the rains started for the day. Great morning to walk up and down the beach. Some hardy souls were in the water - a little too cold for us!

Still Worth the Visit Even in the Rain

By L P |

Nothing like visiting one of the Microsoft Office screen savers in person! Even in the cold and wind, this natural beauty was gorgeous. A rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day inland!

Anniversary weekend

By sanyaiscute |

It was our anniversary and wanted a short break so picked up canon beach and were staying at inn at canon beach. This place is just across the property and it was beautiful to be there.

Amazing

By triphelp555 |

A walk around Haystack Rock at low tide was one of the highlights of our Oregon trip. The water that remains in the pools when the sea is out allows to wath some species that usually exist below the water surface. Very interesting!

Visit the tide pools at low tide

By Gaelharp |

Haystack Rock is always a great landmark, but go at low tide to explore the tide pools. Visit with the volunteer naturalists in the red jackets (Haystack Rock Awareness Program) to learn about the tiny and larger creatures that live on and around the rock. We saw a bald eagle catch one of the birds living on the rock and make off with it back to its nest! I'm glad the Cannon Beach community is working to protect and share the natural ecology of the rock.

Love it

By Norway1944 |

This is the most photographed item in Cannon Beach, very special. Lots of birds nesting there. On low tide able to walk there, but make sure you are off at high tide.

What a Rock

By lpg |

So pretty to walk this beach and enjoy this view. A must see and take the time to enjoy the wide beach with all the driftwood.

I Know How It Got Its name

By Mike H |

Yup it looks like a haystack and the beach is really nice but it is crowded even when we were there in September. Now my picture of it is from a different point of view and so it isn't the normal one you see.

Haystack

By Ashley G |

We really enjoyed walking down to haystack from our hotel and getting to view this amazing landmark. The tide was low at one time and we got to talk right up to the rock! We will be coming back here.

Beautiful scenery and tide pools

By Julie J |

We enjoyed the view of Haystack rock from our hotel room, and walked out to the tide pools in the morning. This offers great pictures at sunrise and sunset!

We love it here!!

By Michelle W |

It's simply beautiful! One of my favorite places and everyone is so friendly there in Cannon Beach. Many people walk to the rock, but we just sit down and enjoy the spectacular view!

Great Views and Friendly People on the Beach!

By D90Don |

Great Views and Friendly People on the Beach! Public Parking near the beach was available the day we went. Definitely worth a stop if doing the Oregon Coast. The town itself is definitely a bit more upscale and pricey than a lot of the other coastal towns in Oregon. Plan on spending more on this stop.

Huge!!!

By nowpacking |

Find parking and walk!
You can enter between two houses directly in front of the rock!
Hard to photograph depending on time of day, crowds and unpredictable weather! Go anyway!!!

Excellent place

By LisaMNUSA |

The haystack was very beautiful, we visited twice when we were there. We saw so many sea birds and sea stars there. We also saw crabs. It was excellent.

Canon beach/Haystack Rock

By Phoebe G |

Best beach around here and I loved it, me and my family found soooo many sand dollars. It was really pretty and cool. The best thing about it was that we didn’t have to pay a dollar for a tour guide to state the obvious. ;)