Cannon Beach is a small town along the Oregon coast famed for its beautiful beach and awe-inspiring rock formations.
Cannon Beach is Oregon's most popular beach and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
What to Expect at Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is beautiful, but it is also often crowded. Consider visiting in slightly less than optimal weather conditions to beat the summer tourist season. We've seen Cannon Beach in the rain and shine, and it's always memorable. A walk along the shore in the fog is a classic PNW experience.
There is little camping readily available near the beach (especially if you want to camp for free), and you can't camp on the beach. We recommend driving away from the beach to free campsites outside of town.
Directions to Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach Weather
In summer, Cannon Beach maintains highs around the mid-60s and lows in the mid-50s.
In the winter, the beach town has highs in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s to high 30s.
Summer is, without a doubt, the best time to visit Cannon Beach. But, you may have to fight the crowds for a good spot by the ocean.
Cannon Beach Hotels and Vacation Rentals
The best Cannon Beach hotels and vacation rentals include:
The Waves Cannon Beach
Only one mile from Haystack Rock and 2.5 miles from Ecola State Park
An expensive accommodation option near Cannon Beach with prices around $400 a night. It's a beachfront hotel with an incredible view of the water. Visitors also have access to an outdoor hot tub.
Hallmark Resort Hotel & Spa
Very close to Haystack Rock and 3.2 miles from Ecola State Park.
Another expensive option, with prices starting at around $350 a night. This 3-star hotel features suites, cabins, and an indoor pool. Guests can also access a day spa.
Hidden Villa Cottages by Vasca
A 2 min, 0.5-mile drive away from Haystack Rock and 2.9 miles from Ecola State Park.
A 3-star hotel with beach access and within walking distance of many sightseeing and dining options.
Things to Do at Cannon Beach
At Cannon Beach, you can swim, hike, shop, dine, tidepool hunt, bike, fish, surf, and more!
It's very close to Ecola State Park, famed for its beautiful hiking trails and tidepools, as well as several small beach towns. Sunsets from the beach are well worth the minimal effort it takes to see them as well!
This area of the Oregon coast has some of the best surfing in the state and is one of the most popular places to learn to surf in the PNW.
Make sure to visit some of the wonderful shops in town like:
Icefire Glassworks
The Good Life Shop
Sesame & Lilies
The Best Cannon Beach Hikes
Cannon Beach is world-renowned for its gorgeous coastal hikes. Plus, it is located only a mile or two from Ecola State Park, which makes it an ideal stop for beach and tree lovers! Some of the best hikes in Cannon Beach are:
1. Haystack Rock Trail
The Haystack Rock Trail is a short, popular hike on Cannon Beach that provides incredible views of the unmissable sea stack. It takes 4.3 miles and around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the entire hike, but you can cut it short whenever you want!
Elevation Gain | Distance | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
16 feet | 4.3 miles | 1 hr 15 mins | 1/10 |
Haystack Rock Trail Coordinates: 46.028598322264884, -123.9953395463123
2. Ecola Creek Trail
A beautiful and sometimes challenging route that ascends 570 feet over 2.2 miles. It takes hikers through the coastal forest and along Ecola Creek. The trail is sometimes muddy but well-worth strapping on the right shoes and enjoying the journey.
Elevation Gain | Distance | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
570 feet | 4.4 miles | 2 hours | 4/10 |
Ecola Creek Trail Coordinates: 46.005710201088704, -123.97032888163207
3. Crescent Beach Trail from Tillamook Rock
This fairly short trail near Cannon Beach is family and dog-friendly. Some parts of the trail can be muddy and may require scrambling on wet rocks. But it's well-loved among locals and tourists!
Elevation Gain | Distance | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.3 | 538 feet | 1 hr 15 mins | 3.10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 46.005906996648314, -123.98054032966344
4. Bald Point via Indian Beach Trail
This easy, 1.4-mile hike is close to Cannon Beach. Although it's not very long, it's incredibly scenic. Even if you don't make the whole 1.4-mile out-and-back trail, you won't be disappointed.
Elevation Gain | Distance | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
416 feet | 1.4 miles | 1 hour | 2/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 45.9868263824817, -123.98602604340388
Check out our Ecola State Park Visitor's Guide for more hikes in the area!
Cannon Beach Photo Gallery
Places to Eat in Cannon Beach
Some of the many amazing places to eat in Cannon Beach are:
Bill's Tavern & Brewhouse located at: 188 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Bistro located at: 263 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 9711097110
Cannon Beach Hardware & Public House located at: 1235 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Driftwood Resturant & Lounge located at: 179 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Ecola Seafoods located at: 208 N Spruce, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Mo's Seafood & Chowder located at: 195 Warren Way, Tolovana Park, OR 97145
Cannon Beach Camping
There are a few different options if you want to camp at Cannon Beach. They include:
RV Resort at Cannon Beach
An RV camping area that is 0.7 miles from Cannon Beach. It features:
99 hookup sites
Well-maintained sites
Kid's area
Indoor pool
Wright's For Camping
A campsite located 0.5 miles from Cannon Beach. It features:
22 campsites in the shade
Firewood available for purchase
Tent camping only
Sea Ranch
An RV, tent, and cabin camping location 0.9 miles from the center of Cannon Beach.
Easy to access
Shaded sites
Book online
Picnic tables, fire rings, and hot showers
FAQs
How to get to Cannon Beach from Portland without a car?
To get to Cannon Beach from Portland without a car, you can take a bus from the Portland Amtrak Station to Cannon Beach Family Market / Surfside Resort. It takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. There are two buses a day.
How far is Cannon Beach from Portland?
Cannon Beach is 78 miles and 90 minutes from Portland. If you're taking a bus, it's more like two hours.
How far is Cannon Beach from Seaside, Oregon?
Cannon Beach is 9 miles from Seaside, Oregon. It'll take between 10 and 15 minutes to drive from one to the other.
What county is Cannon Beach in?
Cannon Beach is in Caltsop County.
Can you swim at Cannon Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Cannon Beach! It's a popular destination for swimming, surfing, tidepool hunting, and more!
Is Cannon Beach worth visiting?
Yes, it is! It's a beautiful spot along the Oregon coast. If the crowds aren't for you, stop by for a few hours and move down the coast to one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby.
Other PNW Resources
Explore: Oregon State and National Parks
Explore: Washingon State and National Parks