Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into PDX, drive to Cannon Beach
2 h 7 min drive93 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
PDX
Portland International Airport
Cannon Beach
About 2 h 7 min · 93 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to PDX
Compare fares into Portland International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at PDX
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Cannon Beach. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at PDX
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Cannon Beach
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Haystack Rock and Coastal Orientation
Haystack Rock → Hemlock Street
Day 2 · Headlands and Forested Vistas
Ecola State Park → Terrible Tilly Viewpoint
Day 3 · Southern Sands and Scenic Coves
Hug Point State Recreation Site → Short Sand Beach
Viator
Tours & experiences near Cannon Beach
Explore guided activities around Cannon Beach. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Cannon Beach
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Cannon Beach?
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from PDX to Cannon Beach?
Roughly 2 h 7 min (about 93 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Cannon Beach?
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.
