Cannon Beach
©

Cannon Beach

Haystack Rock rises above broad sands where tide pools meet Oregon’s forested coast.

Arrival airport
PDX
Airport drive
2 h 7 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
A standard passenger car is sufficient for paved coastal roads; check rental agreements for any restrictions on unpaved park access points.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Cannon Beach

Know before you go

Downtown and Beach Access

Public lots near Hemlock Street fill quickly during peak summer weekends; consider walking from your lodging if based in the village. Ecola State Park parking is limited and may be closed temporarily when capacity is reached.

Coastal Connectivity

Cellular service is generally reliable within the town of Cannon Beach but can become intermittent in the forested sections of Ecola and Oswald West State Parks. Download offline navigation for the drive south toward Manzanita.

Service Hubs

Fuel is available in Cannon Beach and the nearby gateway of Seaside to the north. Ensure your tank is sufficient before heading south into more remote stretches of the Tillamook Coast.

Tide-Dependent Planning

Intertidal exploration at Haystack Rock is best within an hour of low tide; verify daily charts as times shift significantly. Morning fog is common in summer and may obscure viewpoints until midday.

Beach Stability

Beach access points range from paved ramps to sandy paths; soft sand can be challenging for those with mobility aids. Check official updates for seasonal stairway removals or storm-related trail closures.

Check current conditions:Oregon State Parks

2RVs, campervans & cars near PDX

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airlines of South Australia Fokker F-27-200 Friendship at Birdsville.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to PDX

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PDX
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at PDX

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PDX
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PDX
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at PDX

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PDX
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Cannon Beach

  1. 01

    Haystack Rock and Coastal Orientation

    Suggested: 8 AM from Downtown Cannon Beach

    • Haystack Rock

      Walk the sandy shoreline to observe the intertidal area at a suitable low tide; look for Tufted Puffins nesting on the rock during spring and summer months.

    • Hemlock Street

      Explore the walkable village core to visit local art galleries and shops when coastal winds or rain make the beach less appealing.

    Allow 10 minutes locally; conditions vary by pedestrian traffic

    Always check a local tide chart before walking toward headlands or intertidal zones.

    Pick up your vehicle at PDX →
  2. 02

    Headlands and Forested Vistas

    Suggested: 9 AM from Cannon Beach North Entrance

    • Ecola State Park

      Drive to the main viewpoints for elevated perspectives of the coastline and offshore rocks, or walk the path toward Indian Beach if trail conditions permit.

    • Terrible Tilly Viewpoint

      Spot the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore from the park’s northern overlooks.

    Allow 20–40 minutes; conditions vary by park road status

    Park roads and trails are prone to seasonal erosion; verify status with official state park alerts.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Southern Sands and Scenic Coves

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Midtown Cannon Beach

    • Hug Point State Recreation Site

      Discover seasonal waterfalls and sea caves along the beach, ensuring you return before the incoming tide restricts access.

    • Short Sand Beach

      Follow the forested trail in Oswald West State Park down to a sheltered cove popular for surfing and birdwatching.

    Allow 30–50 minutes; conditions vary on US-101

    Never turn your back on the ocean and watch for sneaker waves on exposed beaches.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Review Tide Charts and State Park Access Requirements

Overnight stays in Cannon Beach require advance booking, especially for summer weekends and school holidays. Day-use entry for Ecola State Park is generally managed via on-site kiosks, but specific parking areas may reach capacity early. Changing coastal access policies and trail conditions require a direct check with Oregon State Parks before your visit.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

PDXCannon Beach

Portland International Airport · 2 h 7 min drive

Find flights to PDX

Plan your road trip

From Portland International Airport

2 h 7 min

about 93 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Cannon Beach on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Cannon Beach on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Cannon Beach

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Cannon Beach

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Cannon Beach

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Cannon Beach

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Plan deeper

More destinations you'll love

All destinations