Natural Attractions around Cannon Beach, Oregon (503) 436-2623 x3

Cannon Beach's Natural Attractions, Nature and Recreation Sites

Cannon Beach and the surrounding areas are rife with magnificent natural attractions, from the grandeur of Haystack Rock, to the waterfalls at Hug Point, to the quiet beauty of our State parks. Below, you will find a list of our favorite natural attractions. If you can, plan to visit each on your next trip to Cannon Beach.

Beaches and Beach Destinations

HAYSTACK ROCK & TIDAL POOLS - Cannon Beach's most famous attraction. This mammoth basalt formation, towers 235 above the shore. When the tide rescinds, it exposes a wonderland of tidal pools, and sea-life. See our Cannon Beach Tide Tables for when the low tides occur at Haystack Rock.

HUG POINT RECREATION SITE - Ocean carved caves, a cascading waterfall, a man-made road around the point; these are just a few highlights of the Hug Point beaches. This area is known to be a very romantic beach to visit. Just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach.

TOLOVANA WAYSIDE - 1 mile south of Cannon Beach downtown area. Park in a large parking lot, and north to Haystack Rock, or south to Silver Point.

ARCADIA BEACH - About 3 miles south of Cannon Beach, take a right off Highway 101. This lovely expanse of beach is a nice, quiet location on a busy day.

INDIAN BEACH - Located on the far north end of Cannon Beach, you will wind your way through thick forest and past Ecola State Park, to reach this beautiful cove beach. It is a popular place for surfers and kayakers. Well worth the 3 - 4 miles drive from the base of the park.

CRESCENT BEACH - For the more adventurous, this beach lies off the beaten path. It is accessible at low tide, by walking around the point at North Beach, just below the Breaker's Point condominiums, or test your endurance by accessing a trail from the Ecola State Park Road. You must walk up the road to access the trail, no parking is available on the road itself.

State Parks

ECOLA STATE PARK - Access is on the north end of Cannon Beach. A windy, two lane road cuts through Sitka and Hemlock for roughly 2 miles, before opening up at the top. This park boasts some of the most breathtaking views on the Oregon Coast. A year-round fee of $3.00 applies for day use.  Tour Busses and RV's are not recommended.

OSWALD WEST STATE PARK - Located 10 miles south of Cannon Beach off Highway 101. Visitors must park in one of two parking lots, and walk through the forest for 3/4 of a mile to reach the beach called Short Sands. This is also a popular destination for surfers.