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Haystack Rock: A Cannon Beach Icon You Cant Miss
It’s hard to picture the Oregon Coast without thinking of Haystack Rock. Rising 235 feet into the air, this basalt sea stack is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s right here in Cannon Beach!
Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth, it never gets old. As you plan your Cannon Beach visit, be sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule for beach days where you can explore and enjoy this unique coastal feature.
What Makes Haystack Rock So Special?
Formed roughly 17 million years ago by lava flows that reshaped the coastline, Haystack Rock is one of many dramatic formations along the Oregon Coast, but its size and accessibility are what really make it worth your while.
Did you know, at low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the rock?!
Stand in awe of the scale, observe a range of marine life, and count how many different shorebird species you can see! As a designated Marine Garden, the entire ecosystem around the rock is protected.
When you visit, be sure to stay on bare sand or rock, avoid climbing, and respect posted guidelines. Some creatures here take years to recover from disturbance.
During spring and early summer, Tufted Puffins nest in burrows on the grassy north side of the rock. Bring binoculars if you’re visiting in June or July—this is one of the best times to spot them.
Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Haystack Rock
Address:
Off Hemlock Street near Gower AveCannon Beach, OR 97110
Best Place to Park:
- Public parking lot near Gower Street beach access
- Additional parking at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site (especially on busier days)**Let’s link our new Tolovana Beach State Rec. page to this highlighted piece, please.
Both options are within walking distance. Just be sure to check the tide charts if you want to walk close to the rock. Visiting at least an hour before low tide is usually best to allow enough time for exploring.
Nearby Places to Grab a Bite or Shop
Once you've admired Haystack Rock, you’re just a short walk or drive from several of the best spots in Cannon Beach. If you need to refuel or you’re ready to check out more of the town, don’t miss:
- Sea Level Bakery + Coffee: Scratch-made baked goods, delicious food, and locally roasted coffee from Heart Coffee Roasters.
- Pelican Brewing: Just one minute from Haystack Rock, this staple brewery is kid-friendly, offers a full food menu, and features rotating taps of brewed-on-site beers.
- Bruce’s Candy Kitchen: Staying in a Beachcomber vacation rental? Don’t forget to cash in your Xplorie freebie from Bruce’s! Every day of your stay, you can get a free adult-sized ½ pound bag of saltwater taffy! Talk about an affordable way to stock up on souvenirs!
- Boutiques like: Antler & Alder or C&R Mercantile
- Galleries like: Bronze Coast, DragonFire, and House of Orange
Discover More Things to Do in Cannon Beach
Why Stay Near Haystack Rock?
Planning your vacation around Haystack Rock puts you in the heart of Cannon Beach: close to everything, and with a front-row seat to the coastline’s most iconic view. It’s the kind of spot that makes morning coffee on the porch or sunset dinners feel a little more magical.When you book a Cannon Beach vacation rental with Beachcomber Vacation Homes, you’re choosing more than just a place to stay. You’re getting local insight, thoughtful touches, and homes that feel like part of the experience. Whether you’re looking for a historic cottage, a pet-friendly home, or a property with a private hot tub where you can totally unwind at the end of each day, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haystack Rock
Where is Haystack Rock located?
Haystack Rock sits along the shoreline in Cannon Beach, Oregon, just west of Hemlock Street near Gower Avenue.How tall is Haystack Rock?
Haystack Rock stands 235 feet high and is one of the tallest sea stacks in Oregon.How was Haystack Rock formed?
It was created by ancient lava flows that cooled into basalt rock, later exposed by erosion and geological uplift over millions of years.What birds nest at Haystack Rock?
As a protected habitat, you can see Tufted Puffins in spring and early summer, as well as Pelagic Cormorants, Western Gulls, Pigeon Guillemots, and Black Oystercatchers.
Plan Your Trip to See Haystack Rock in Person!
A trip to Cannon Beach isn’t complete without getting up close to Haystack Rock. At Beachcomber Vacation Homes, we offer a variety of Cannon Beach rentals that put you right on the shoreline. Enjoy peaceful mornings, unbeatable views, and easy access to everything our charming coastal town has to offer when you book directly with us for your upcoming trip!