Spring along the Oregon Coast is one of the best times to visit Cannon Beach. From March through May, you’ll find longer days, fewer crowds, and a mix of wildlife activity and coastal scenery that feels especially alive this time of year.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers the top things to do in Cannon Beach Oregon in spring—from tidepool exploration and whale watching to scenic hikes and quiet beach walks so you can make the most of your visit. Check it out and start planning your springtime getaway today!
In This Article:
- Explore Tidepools Around Haystack Rock
- Whale Watching
- Hike Through Ecola State Park
- See Tufted Puffins
- Visit Hug Point and Indian Beach
- Go Clamming
- Spring Events in Cannon Beach
- Where to Stay When You Visit
- FAQs
Explore Tidepools Around Haystack Rock
A popular year-round activity, tidepool exploration is especially rewarding in spring. As temperatures warm and daylight stretches longer, marine life becomes more active along the rocky shoreline.
At Haystack Rock—a striking basaltic sea stack rising from the sand—you’ll find one of the most accessible tidepool areas on the Oregon Coast. During low tide, you can spot anemones, starfish, crabs, and other marine life up close. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program often hosts interpretive programs to help visitors better understand the ecosystem.
Other great tidepool spots include:
- Silver Point – Walk north of Arcadia Beach for excellent early-season access before summer sand shifts
- Ecola Point – A quieter option reached via a short 1.25-mile hike from the main parking lot
- Indian Beach – A scenic and less crowded location within Ecola State Park
Tip: Plan your visit one hour before low tide (0.0 feet or lower) for the best visibility, and always check the tide chart for incoming water.
Go Whale Watching Along the Coast
Spring is peak whale watching season in Cannon Beach. From mid-March through May, thousands of gray whales migrate north from Baja to Alaska, passing just offshore.
You don’t need a boat tour to see them—many sightings happen right from dry land. Head to Ecola State Park for elevated viewpoints, or keep an eye on the horizon from the beach near your Beachcomber vacation rental.
Bring binoculars if you have them—you may spot spouts, tails, or even breaching whales on clear days.
Read More: Guide to Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
Hike Through Ecola State Park
For one of the best views on the Oregon Coast, spend time exploring nearby Ecola State Park. Just minutes from downtown Cannon Beach, this area offers forested trails, ocean overlooks, and access to quieter beaches.
The Clatsop Loop Trail is a great option if you’re looking for a moderate 2.9-mile hike with rewarding views. You can also drive between viewpoints if you prefer something more relaxed.
From here, you’ll get a unique perspective of Haystack Rock and the surrounding coastline, which is especially beautiful in spring when the Pacific Northwest landscape is at its greenest.
See Tufted Puffins at Haystack Rock
Spring is one of the only times of year you can spot tufted puffins in Cannon Beach. These small seabirds nest on the grassy slopes of Haystack Rock from roughly April through early summer.
Bring binoculars and look closely—you might catch a glimpse of their bright orange beaks as they fly in from the ocean. As a protected species, seeing them is one of the more unique wildlife experiences on the Oregon Coast and a big reason spring is such a great time to visit.
Book a Home with a Haystack View
Scan for puffins and whales from the deck of your oceanfront vacation rental when you book your stay directly with Beachcomber Vacation Homes. Our oceanfront homes offer unbeatable views of the expansive Pacific and the iconic rock formations scattered along the Oregon coast.
See All Oceanfront Vacation Rentals
Walk the Beach at Hug Point & Indian Beach
Not every spring activity needs a plan. Some of the best moments come from simply walking the shoreline.
Head south to Hug Point State Recreation Site for a short walk that leads to sea caves, a seasonal waterfall, and remnants of a historic roadway etched into the rocky shore.
To the north, Indian Beach offers a quieter stretch of sand surrounded by forested cliffs—ideal if you want a slower day away from just about everyone.
Try Razor Clamming (Late Spring)
If you’re visiting in late May or early June, razor clamming is a seasonal activity worth trying. Nearby Clatsop Beach accounts for a large portion of Oregon’s razor clam harvest, and conditions are often best during low tide.
Razor Clamming Tips:
- Look for small dimples in the sand (“shows”)
- Dig quickly as the clams move fast
- Always check current regulations and closures before heading out
- Make sure you have an Oregon state recreational shellfish license
Spring Events & Local Favorites
Spring in Cannon Beach has a more relaxed feel compared to summer, but there’s still plenty going on. Some of our favorite events include:
- Get Lit at the Beach – Held in April, this festival brings best-selling authors to town for book signings, readings, and literary-themed events.
- SOLVE Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup – If voluntourism is on your list, this community-driven initiative helps ensure the shores stay clean for wildlife and beachgoers alike.
- Spring Unveiling Arts Festival – In early May, galleries throughout Cannon Beach highlight new work with receptions and events that spill into local restaurants and shops, where you’ll find dishes and gifts inspired by the new season’s collections.
- Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival – In mid-May, the beach is filled with fat-tire bikes as people (locals and visitors) take to the shore for community rides.
Book Your Spring Trip to Cannon Beach
Featured Property: Haystack Close North
Spring is one of the most underrated times to visit the Oregon Coast, and that’s why we’re so thrilled you’re considering it! This time of year, you’ll find fewer crowds, tons of wildlife, and peaceful beach days that are harder to come by in peak summer.
As you plan for your spring trip, remember booking direct with Beachcomber Vacation Rentals gives you access to a range of properties that make the most of the season—whether that’s an oceanfront home where you can watch for whales, a pet-friendly rental for a spring getaway with your dog, or a cozy cottage just steps from the sand. Let our local, trusted team help you come home to the perfect space in Cannon Beach this spring.
See All Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals
