Haystack Rock

In August 2025, we visited Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Haystack Rock is spectacular, as it accessible to the public, no cost to visit, and close to the beach. Birds fly around it and onto it, and the Pacific Ocean waves crashing on the rocks add to the ambiance. The surrounding rocks have visible starfish and seashells on them, as it was likely low tide. The Cannon Beach sand is packed down and easy to walk on. We went early in the morning, so the morning sun was behind us, and that improved our photography. Haystack Rock is an amazing place to visit and experience first-hand.

Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most iconic and breathtaking coastal beaches. I have one word to say, WOW! 235 feet above the shoreline. Visit at low tide to see colorful starfish and sea anemone, crabs, and barnacles. Beach sand is very fine, soft, and pale. We saw black oyster catcher and pelagic cormorant birds on top of the rock, bring your binocular, to see closely.

One of my PNW favorites! Living in Seattle, I often escape the summer heat to enjoy Cannon Beach's beautiful scenery. Despite its popularity, the beach remains ultra clean with soft sand. The streets are lined with adorable local shops and restaurants right next to the beach, adding to its charm. Moreover, chamomiles are everywhere, giving it a serene feel 💞 It truly feels like stepping into a cute coastal town straight out of a movie!

Very beautiful place to come to. It was misty when we got there but still vwry beautiful. Cute little town near by can grab something to eat there or just walk around there. They also have hotels that have that same beautiful view of the ocean

Pretty cool to look at! There are tide pools below the rock but unfortunately it wasn't low tide when I went. Lots of anemones there! Great place if you like to watch sea birds! Apparently there are staff there who inform people about the sea life and will go and take people off the rocks. There are also lifeguards here. Parking can be a bit difficult to find. There is a public parking lot but it's not super close to the path down for the rock itself.

What an incredible site to see! It was truly jaw dropping. Because it was semi off season for tourists we were able to park on a street and walk down. The beach was clean and easy to navigate. We went during low tide to be able to see the life on the rocks up closet to the monolith. Do not hesitate to go here (:

This was our first stop on our trip down the entire Oregon coast and back up the middle. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Lovely and quaint, but bustling beach town with a spectacular beach and this majestic rock. Breathtaking!! As a tip to tourists like myself, the coast rooms book up completely in the summer. I am a planner and normally plot out almost every aspect of my trips. But we thought we would “wing it” and just see how far we got each day and book a room on the spot. I don’t recommend this. It was stressful coming into small coastal towns and finding no rooms, one after another. Plan well when doing the Oregon coast as well as other tourist heavy spots in busy season.

The rock was cool and it was surreal to see such an iconic Microsoft background in person. It is a big underwhelming to see it since you cannot walk out to or get close but it was neat to see it from the shore. The walk along the beach was really nice to get there. Parking is difficult if you go, so you may need to park far and walk.

Goonies never die! Of course we had to make a stop here during our first trip to Oregon. My kids grew up exposed to all the 80's movies that remain nostalgic for me. Sad we didn't make it to Astoria but we had a long trek ahead of us. Sand was clean. Surprisingly not over crowded. Lots of beach houses over looking the ocean and the little town adjacent had so many shops, restaurants, etc to visit. You are allowed to park in the areas without no parking signs in the neighborhoods of the houses that overlooked the water. Which was nice. Just be aware of the signs and adhere to them. Rock is huge. Tide wasn't low enough to walk out to it but it's gigantic and looks oddly placed. Just a huge rock in the middle of the surf. I'd visit again. The drive along 101 is beautiful and should be done at least once in your lifetime. The views are breathtakingly spectacular!

Haystack Rock is one of those major landmarks of the Oregon Coast. The ancient monolith has been seen in films, media, etc. and is surrounded by a few smaller sea stacks nearby. Haystack itself is 235 feet tall and when the tide is low, you can walk out all the way to the rock. The reason you want to do that is because there are tide pools surrounding it where you'll see all kinds of sea life such as starfish, anemones, crabs, and more. It's also a popular spot for birding because of the varieties of birds who make a stop around here too. If you visit the tide pools, you MUST learn the etiquette of doing so to ensure that the delicate ecosystem is maintained. Check the tide charts to find when it'll be low and make for good viewing. There's an organization called the Haystack Rock Awareness Program that does events throughout the year, so check out what they're up to. There are parking lots around town but none right here (as there might be at other costal lookouts, like Devil's Churn or something). You might get lucky finding a spot on the street but there are residential streets around here so be cognizant of that, and respectful.

Five fabulous stars for a fabulous place! As a tourist from California what struck me the most, apart from of course the immense Rock, was one morning at low low tide (I think -2ft on the tide chart) it felt like you could walk all the way around the rock, the beach was so level and smooth out into the ocean! Sunsets are marvelous, golden hour lights up the rock so beautifully. Maybe dock 1/3 star for how stinky it it up close tho, those beautiful birds do make a stinky mess!

Haystack Rock is a stunning landmark on Cannon Beach. It's beautiful to walk along the shoreline and take in the view, especially with the waves crashing around it. A simple but unforgettable stop on the Oregon Coast.

Gorgeous tranquil area. Perfect for sitting around and people watching or listening to the waves. Dogs are off leash at this beach.

Iconic Oregon coast. Just go. Enjoy nature at its finest. You will get different views for different seasons and the tides.

No trip to Oregon is complete without seeing Haystack Rock. It's honestly breathtaking, having such a massive rock jutting out from an otherwise serene coastline. At low tide you can basically walk (wade?) right up to its base and have a look around tide pools nearby. Really cool and very photo friendly activity!

Haystack rock is something that the locals have been talking about since we first crossed into the Oregon border so of course we had to check it out. Cannon Beach, on a holiday weekend, in the middle of the afternoon was not wise, however. Packed with people and the way the streets are set up with not a lot of 4 way stops made it white knuckling to drive through the area. I am sure it would have been very cool on an off day. If you want just views of the rock without all the people, there are pull offs on the driveway just past Cannon Beach.

Haystack Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Oregon Coast. It's located on Cannon Beach and it's free to visit. If you arrive early enough, there's parking available in Cannon Beach's charming town. By mid to late morning over summers, parking lots usually fill up and then you may have to pivot to find where to leave your car. Depending on where you enter Cannon Beach from, Haystack Rock will be visible from any distance. It's 235 feet tall and according to Wikipedia it's..."a monolithic rock that's accessible by foot during low tide" (mornings). I had to Google what monolithic meant, lol, and it's just a massive, single stone rock formation. That definitely epitomizes Haystack Rock. I visited on a quiet Saturday morning at the end of August and the beach wasn't crowded. It doesn't take long to experience what makes this rock such a fascinating attraction. You can get real close to it, practically within footsteps of looking straight up to its peak. Rules forbid you from climbing on it and it's roped off to protect seagulls, puffins and their nesting sites. Interestingly, the seagulls peck at the starfish who consume the mussels attached to the rock. Haystack Rock is a host for the circle of life between birds and fish. It's captivating just standing so close and watching nature and wildlife coexisting together. There were volunteer guides who hung out beside the rock and offered their expertise if you had questions. Around 9am they had introductions/demonstrations to learn what makes the beach shores here so unique. The Haystack Rock surroundings are also famous for being showcased in iconic 1980's movies...The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. I could definitely envision One-Eyed Willie's pirate ship setting sail in the distance. Lastly, the town of Cannon Beach has authentic shops and stores to grab souvenirs and mementos. In the end, if you are driving the Oregon Coast, there are so many incredible natural wonders along the way to get yourself outdoors and start exploring. I believe Haystack Rock makes for a worthwhile stop that shouldn't be missed.

How can you leave a review on a rock? This blows my mind. Anyways it was fun, I saw birds and giant mussels. And families of starfish. I met a crab, and I cleaned up trash on the beach. How do people leave so much trash around?

Haystack Rock was a recommended stop for us during our trip to Oregon and we decided since it was on the way we decided to stop off. Parking was relatively easy even though the tourist spot does have quite a few people. On the day that we visited it was kind of weird that we saw a lot of washed up jellyfish...my kids kept asking me what were those jelly like blobs all over the beach (definitely kind of gross haha). Once you walk across the beach to the actual Haystock Rock area it's absolutely stunning and on the day we went they had some volunteers that were showing/pointing out starfish and other wildlife in the area. I think it's great for families and kids just because it's like an outdoor zoo of sea life that you can look closely at. One last comment I would make is be prepared for sandflies...there was a crazy amount there when we were there...my kids were freaking out lol. Overall, recommend if you're traveling in the area to definitely visit! It's absolutely beautiful!

If you're a fan of the Goonies, you probably recognize Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock as the geographic feature the kids use to navigate their map. Haystack Rock and surrounding rocks have been in a ton of other films too, like 1941, Point Break, and Twilight. Obviously it's a very iconic piece of Oregon's coastline. You will definitely want to snap a few pics when you get there, because the water, the rock, and the beach are gorgeous. I do recommend getting there quite early though, if you want to get some serene photos, or if you're not a fan of crowds. It can get pretty intensely crowded around the rock in the later morning/afternoon. It's about an hour and a half drive from downtown Portland, so you can hit the road early, pack a lunch, and make a day of visiting Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach. You definitely will not regret it!

Damn nature. It is not always as handicap accessible as we want. Could be a really cool spot. I wasn't able to get close enough because wheelchairs don't work on sand. Mind the sewage water lol. Best part was the goonies nostalgia. I'd recommend if it is on the way, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.

Visiting Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach was one of my all time favorite things to do when I lived in the PNW. There's really no bad time to visit, as it's still amazing on a cloudy day, but even more spectacular at sunset. It's sad that the number of starfish and sea anenomies have significantly reduced over the years, but if you're lucky enough to spot some at low tide, it's worth the trip. There is ample parking nearby, so it's easy to get to. It's definitely worth a visit when you're in Oregon.

Did a review for Cannon Beach but somehow forgot to review the main reason to make the pilgrimage to a beach in Northwest Oregon.... Haystack Rock! What an amazing, almost surreal thing to see.... Especially at sunset. The evening I went was almost perfect... except it was pretty cold for summer. As the sun went down, the tide was rolling in. Waves were crashing against Haystack and the formations around the main attraction. Each wave pushed us farther and farther from the rock, but still close enough for some great sunset pictures. After the sun went down the beach lit up with a number of small bonfires where people huddled around for warmth, enjoy the sunset and to listen to the sounds of the waves. Perfect! Bucket List.... Check!

It's cool, but honestly I think it's a little over rated. The beaches and rock outcroppings in Southern Oregon were more impressive and not as crowded. They had large sections roped off to keep people off of it, which I completely understand, just sad that they have to do that because people won't respect things. I think if you are in the area, for sure go see it - it is beautiful - I just think that the southern coast is more amazing. Cannon Beach as a little town is adorable.

Home is where the heart is! Haystack Rock is an old friend, as a child I spent hours daily, studying the treasures it had to share. It has an important place in my heart. Rising 235 feet above the shoreline, Haystack Rock is an irregular basalt formation that was first created some 17 million years ago as lava flowed through the old Columbia River drainage system and intruded into soft marine sediments. Erosion and geologic uplift eventually revealed it and the many other large stone formations along the coast. I lived so close to the rock I could see it every waking hour it was my comfort when I lost my mom at 10. So I was a fixture on the intertidal zone and it taught me a lot. I lived in Cannon Beach for my entire childhood and teenage years. I forged food, razor clams, rock cod, dungeons crabs, octopus, sea urchins etc... I became so familiar with the entire coast line. I also rode out storms, a dune buggy to get glass floats, and other treasure that washed a shore and there was so much.

Just wow!!! What an insanely gorgeous beach! We came to see this wonderful place while visiting my bestie in Portland. She had already been and I'd seen her pics but nothing does this place any justice quite like your own two eyes. It was a chilly rainy/snowy day but the weather cleared up just as we got to the area! We found parking easily and it wasn't a long walk to the beach at all. There weren't many people out either so that made for nice pics. This place was truly incredible!!! I really have no words, I'm so happy I got to see this!!!

What hasn't been said about Haystack Rock? It's gorgeous- yes! Famous- yes! Our favorite beach- yes!!! Will it rain on you in the winter causing you to get wet and cold but cause endless memories while you drive to Mo's at nearby Tolovana State Beach for a clam chowder bowl with the family- absolutely!!! That's another review that's forthcoming.

Beautiful sight to see...a must stop if in the area...water is cold but comfortable once acclimated!

We went here early in the morning when there was plenty of parking, but the walk from the parking lot to Haystack Rock takes about 12-14 minutes, depending on your pace. There is parking closer to the rock, but it's in a residential area, so be mindful of that. Better to be safe than sorry. Other than that, the place was beautiful, not crowded in the morning, and had a nice breeze.

The Oregon Coast in part made famous by the emblematic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. Unplug, release, exhale. Revive, restore, renew the spirit. Come to the beach to breathe.

Another nice drive from Portland is to visit the coastline. Rising 235 feet above the shoreline, Haystack Rock is an irregular basalt formation that was first created some 17 million years ago as lava flowed through the old Columbia River drainage system and intruded into soft marine sediments. Erosion and geologic uplift eventually revealed it and the many other large stone formations along the coast. Today, Haystack Rock is protected as one of Oregon's seven Marine Gardens. It's a popular location for tidepooling and, at low tide, visitors can walk right up to the enormous rock. A wide variety of birds can also be seen year-round. Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Sperm Whales are often spotted from December to March. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras if they want to spot some of the giant creatures out in the water. Just walking along the beach and relaxing with the sound of waves it's a treasure...then you see this huge monolith on the horizon and it's almost like magic. Beautiful...

I can't imagine how anybody could ever write a bad review about Haystack Rock. One of the most memorizing places in the US in our opinion. Finally after growing up watching the Goonies we finally got to see it and experience. This will be a place we will continue to come back for years to come. Cannon Beach and haystack rock literally speaks for itself. We can't recommend this place enough!

I've been coming here for eons. Love Cannon Beach especially during the dead of Winter. Used to be it was a ghost town this time of year and especially if it was stormy. Only the heartiest of visitors, usually retired, were seen in January. I always liked and appreciated that the shops stayed open year round. This is rare in towns like CB on the east coast. You can walk around but very few shops would be open for business. Of course the big draw is Haystack Rock which is sometimes confused with it's sister down at Cape Kiwanda. Used to be they were always rescuing some knucklehead who got themselves stranded on the rock when the tide came in... but now they will arrest you and fine you if you go rock climbing on it. There's a lot of creatures and life in the eddies and tidepools at the base of Haystack Rock and in the summer there are sometimes rangers or volunteers around to tell you all about it. It's one of the most photographed monoliths in the world and I have a gazillion pictures of it myself. Nice walk along the beach from CB center and then walking back on the sidewalk.

This is just amazing and I was in awe. I only wish I could have gone during low tide to check out the tidal pools at the base of the rock.

Highlight of the Oregon coast line . Such a memorable silhouette. I will cherish the memories of our family picnic at the park after walking the shoreline. There was also a restaurant here and a lot of public parking available.

Majestic!! Something about the waves that is so soothing and so relaxing. The formation of the rocks especially the tallest one, is barely in the water. I hear the nice waves coming through the rocks that is quite nice to listen to. I'm sure I can walk to the rocks but there's a big sign that specifies "Danger"! The rocks do look slippery so, I won't even think about climbing. I can imagine people trying though. I just have a Look at it. It's meant to be looked at and admired. The sand is steady and dense to walk on which, felt good to my knees. Anyway, looking at it is calming and quite romantic. I'm sure whatever picture one take is instagram-able. It is absolutely stunning and memorable. May it be gloomy at times but catching a perfect time for the sun to set is magical and beautiful. I'm glad I got to see the famous "Haystack"! I highly recommend coming here and there are many places to stay in that are walking distance. Along the beach, there many bunnies lurking around and are fun to see. Very very nice

"Willy M enjoys long walks on the beach"...... Yea totally....especially here! While visiting, I stayed right near it, went there early in the morning, went there during the afternoon and especially at sunset. Beautiful views and could just keep staring at it! Just come here and see it for yourself! It's pretty wonderful in my eyes!

I have seen so many videos of this place and thought it was nice. But when we got there, it's a totally different experience. Photos don't do justice compared to being there in person. This spot is a definite place to check out for sure! It's free! Beautiful sunset! It's just an ultimate "aww" feeling.

It is further than it looks! Also much bigger! No climbing or collecting but plenty to admire about the rock itself and tide pools. Watch for sneaker waves. Never turn your back to the ocean.

This is one of those spots where your heart rate quickly drops and you're reminded how small and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. I mean this in the best of ways. From the living breathing rock formations surrounding the Haystack Rock filled with anemone and barnacles to the beautiful sea mist and fog that constantly surrounds the rock, you can't help but feel at peace. I especially loved the sound of the sea gulls and watching the water crash upon the rocks. We visited the rock at three different times of day and felt so lucky to catch it during low tide when you can walk all the way to to it she'd see all of the formations that surround it. To visit the rock, you can park anywhere Cannon Beach parking is noted or at the Tolovana Park which is .8 miles from the rock itself but its beautiful walk so don't let that scare you off. It doesn't hurt that Cannon Beach is a very charming town filled with cafes and eateries to soak in while you're there. During COVID, this park is very easy to enjoy safely with an easy 60-80' between you and the next person at any given time.

Been coming to this beach for 40 years now and it's always a magical day. My favorite geocache is nearby and the tide pools are a adventure in themselves. Goonies are good enough for me :) ya ya ya ;)

Located at the great Cannon Beach with a giant rock as the backdrop. If you're checking out the Oregon coast, then seeing Haystack Rock is quintessential on your trip. I hear there's a even community of intertidal animals at the rock that are brought in from the waves. Even on a foggy day, the rock is visible from all vantage points on the beach. Its looming features is a perfect picture opportunity for a tourist. I haven't seen Haystack Rock on a clear sky day, but the pictures I've seen look very appealing. Especially at the time of day when the rock is reflected off the clear ocean. While you're here, might as well bring your furry animal to play and run around the beach. They'll thank you for it.

It's gorgeous, amazing and a fantastic beach. What else do you need to know. Have dinner at Wayfair (reservations) and take a. Quick stroll or sun tents and make a day of it. Unless you are allergic to sun or happiness this is a must stop. Only complaint- what are those annoying little flying bugs at dusk. Like a wannabe mosquito that hasn't really mastered how to fly. Otherwise no complaint

This is the most interesting rock in Cannon Beach. I'm not sure how it could be "better". At low tides (twice a day) a truck drives on to the beach to deliver a bunch of volunteers whose job it is to tell you not to climb on the rocks. When we were there an eagle flew by and grabbed a bird off the Haystack. Circle of life! Just a really cool natural geological feature.

This rock is so mesmerizing!! Visited all the way from vegas and stayed in a hotel where I can view this rock anytime of the day! It's amazing at sunrise when the tide is full and rock base is covered with water and even more pretty at sunset coz the low tide let's you walk all the way to the rock!

This was my second time here and was even better than the first! We found a much better parking spot, right up on the hill with a path directly down to the rocks, but only enough space for about 3 cars, so this was a prime find. We spoke with the girls down at the beach about the puffins and walked around getting a few videos of the beautiful rocks and beach. Very informative and such a beautiful day.

This review is not so much for the rock itself (which is worth seeing) but for the overall experience of driving into Cannon Beach and trying to see Haystack Rock (which is nightmarish). We were driving north on Hwy 101 after lunch and a short hike near Manzanitas. I had noted some coastal landmarks to see on our drive, and of course Haystack Rock was among these. We got off Hwy 101 (northbound) and did a sort of cloverleaf 270-degree turn back under the highway to head the 1/4 mile to the town of Cannon Beach. It looked like there might be a few spaces to park near this underpass (along the road). We approached the stop sign at the main intersection in town. Traffic was heavy. We managed to make a left turn and headed parallel to the beach. Over some intervening homes / hotels we soon could see Haystack Rock. However, there was NOWHERE to park (at least nowhere that had spaces). We circled around, tried some side roads, etc. No luck. And this was on a Thursday at around 1:30 p.m.! We soon gave up and opted to just look for a public restroom before getting back on 101. This proved almost equally difficult. We ended up just parking in front of someone's driveway and I waited while others walked half a block to the facilities. I would not drive in Cannon Beach again if I returned here. At best, I would consider parking near the initial 101 underpass and walking the rest of the way. It was not far and would be a vastly superior experience versus driving / parking there. Maybe if you stay in Cannon Beach at a hotel where parking is provided and then just explore the town (and the beach) on foot it would be fine.

I can't imagine there is anything to say that hasn't already been said about Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach). Although it might not be the best Haystack Rock (that honor goes to the one in Pacific City in my book), it is certainly the most famous. We made our way to the beach at sunrise when the lighting was just perfect. There were lots of people out there exploring by the time we arrived but we did beat the Park Rangers that put up signs telling people to stay away from the rocks because it is a protected bird area. It's hard to get a good view of this rock from the 101 (as opposed to the one in Pacific City) so take the time to pull off and walk into town. DO NOT park on the street if you are in a camper van. We did this and learned the hard way that you are not allowed to do this even with regular plates. Iconic. Beautiful. Free. This rock hits all of the requirements for being a must on your Oregon Coast vacation

Haystack Rock located on Cannon Beach is a must visit. It was so relaxing to walk up to see and the surrounding area was beautiful.

Like a very mini Morro Rock in Morro Bay CA Bookmarked as one of the places to visit on the coast of Oregon. We found parking on the side of the road, there was no private parking lot that is close to the rock. After we parked our car we walked on the street and descended down the wooden steps towards the beach. It had a recognizable landmark and is a popular attraction on Cannon Beach. This natural area is protected! Haystack Rock's tidepools are home to many intertidal animals, including sea stars, anemone, crabs, chitons, limpets and nudibranchs. Before stepping foot on the sand there is an interpretive sign explaining about the tidepools. The most colorful and visible creatures are the sea stars that are exposed at low tide and the large green anemones just below the water surface. It was windy and definitely not low tide during our visit late in the afternoon around 5:30p but we did enjoy walking on the fine sand. Hollywood stint: For those who remember that 80's movie... you know what I'm talking about? Yes! Haystack Rock was a film location for "The Goonies" where there was a car race/truck rally on a beach, that action-packed opening sequence scene was filmed on Cannon Beach by Haystack Rock. Wish we could've stayed longer but it was an enjoyable short visit. There were nice houses along the beach but yikes! This was a tsunami hazard zone where even the street had a painted blue line and "tsunami evacuation route" sign painted. Uh-uh... I'll be all aboard the nope train. Review #1411 (158th business review)

A must-see icon for any Goonies fans, you'll see it dominating the landscape of Cannon Beach. If you're like me and grew up on The Goonies, you'll definitely recognize it! Parking is available in a few lots in the city for free. Don't park regular cars in the RV-designated spots as the cops are actively handing out tickets! Then it's just a short walk past some public restrooms and restaurants and down the beach - you can't miss it! The surrounding beach is lovely! Complete with soft sand, emerald and cobalt hues in the water and fun tide pools to explore! At low tide you can almost walk out to the rock! Be careful not to step on any wildlife or plants in the tide pools though please! Highly recommend! Makes for a great, relaxing beach day!

Beautiful sight to see! I was excited to come spend a night on Cannon Beach and it sure did not disappoint. The area is clean and very unique.

No matter how many times I see Haystack Rock from afar or take a stroll on the beach for a close up view, I get excited! This natural 235 foot tall sea stack in Cannon Beach is iconic; it's the image on so many calendars representing the Oregon coast. And just as many photographs in galleries in Cannon Beach and Portland. Haystack Rock takes on different colors throughout the day depending on the location of the sun and the weather. It's gorgeous in every situation and a must visit if you are in Oregon! My favorite times are when the tide is out leaving many tide pools accessible from the beach. If you look close enough you will see colorful starfish clinging to rocks - orange, green, purple - they are so amazing it's hard to believe they are real! Tide pools are also home to sea anemones, crabs, snails, coral and other fascinating sea creatures. While they are all beaut to see, do not touch or remove anything, including rocks. Haystack Rock is a Marine Garden and all marine life, including the rock, are protected. On the rock itself are thousands and thousands of muscles. Birds of many types are plentiful and part of this complex ecosystem. Today wh (Mid-May) there were hundreds of Tufted Puffin (black birds with white around their eyes and bright orange beaks) nesting on the west and northwest side of the rock. There were also lots of Common Murres nesting but then a lone bald eagle started circling and they all flew away temporarily. It was a sight to see! The beach itself is clean and usually filled with people walking, taking pictures and playing in the tide pools. Early June brings the annual Cannon Beach Sand Building contest attracting professional sand sculpterers, amateurs, and even families, who create some incredible sand structures! It is one of the busiest times at Cannon Beach so if you are driving out for the day, leave early. If you are staying overnight, book hotels well in advance. Haystack Rock is magnificent and a wonder to experience anytime of the year.

I confessed, I've never seen " The Goonies" , I don't know what happen?!, no excuse since I grew up in the 80s. Now I really have to. I heard about the Haystack Rock & The Goonies, from friends and my daughter's social media page. This was definitely my must do, I can cross it off my list visit. Super happy that we got to visit this most famous rock during my last visit to OR, and going with my family here to the Haystack Rock was even better, memorable priceless moments. Haystack Rock is located at beautiful Cannon Beach, we drove in from Portland, total travel time, about over 2 hours round trip. From my experience, leave early in the morning so you will have more time at Cannon Beach. Pack drinks and light snacks. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Be prepared to circle around to look for parking. Depending on your carrier, some areas may have no reception, during the drive out to Cannon Beach. If you are using GPS, plan accordingly. Take lots of pictures, photo opt for sure!! Haystack Rock is a 235 foot sea stack in Cannon Beach, A popular tourist destination, the monolithic rock is adjacent to the beach and accessible by foot at low tide. The Haystack Rock tide pools are home to many animals including starfish, sea anemone, crabs, chitons, limpets, and sea slugs. The rock is a nesting site for many sea birds, including terns and puffins. After we were lucky to score a parking spot, as I was walking towards the Iconic rock, I started getting chicken skin, I had to remind myself this is for real. ( Deja Vu) I had a hard time walking on the sand, with my flats on. I loved the cute little bridge on my way to the rock. Just WOW & so grateful, I observed the rock, the scenic view, hugged my family, took tons of pics and sure enjoyed my time. Next time, I really want to come back to visit the rock again, I want to see the sunset, and stay a night here at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock, is a must do, see, & go/ when you're visiting OR.

Beautiful and breathtaking. Love that it is dog friendly. It is great any time of the year. We've been here all seasons except Spring. Great during winter if storm chasing. Cannon Beach is just lovely.

One of the most magical places in the U.S. Every time we go we fall in love a little more. Put this at the top of your Oregon bucket list if you haven't been.

Incredible morning at Haystack rock. There was lots of free parking across the street and we followed the crowds towards the roar of the ocean. The clouds were low and it was a great day but Haystack rock was pretty magnificent. This wasn't like a Almora or anything else we've seen.