Cannon Beach, Oregon
Eighty miles west of Portland, Oregon and 25 miles south of Astoria, Cannon Beach is surrounded by the rugged natural beauty of forests, ocean beaches, and rivers. Nine miles of wide, walkable beach and the scenic beauty of the seastacks offshore and headlands onshore make your stroll down the sand particularly memorable. Fly a kite, watch the sea creatures in the tide pools, or take pictures of famous Haystack Rock. Relaxing on the beach is part of the Cannon Beach, Oregon experience. As one of the Oregon Coast's most popular destinations, Haystack Rock provides amazing opportunities to see all kinds of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. At low tide, thousands of sea creatures come out of hiding and expose themselves in wondrous tide pools. During the summer, marine biologists and volunteers are nearby the pools to answer questions and point out particularly interesting species. It’s fun for all ages! For hikers, there are many trails to the water through the thick conifer forests of Ecola State Park. Ecola Point, near Ecola State Park, has a viewpoint and picnic area, where you can see the whole panorama of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock and the Coast Range. This spectacular view is one of the most photographed on the Oregon coast. A two-mile trail connects Ecola point to horseshoe shaped Indian Beach, and a six-mile trail leads on to Tillamook Head. Ecola State Park is also one of the best local areas for surfing. During the summer months and occasionally during the winter, you will see a hand full of surfers trying to catch a wave! The arts are emphasized in Cannon Beach, and some of the best crafts, shopping and galleries on the coast are located in the downtown area. The city is planned for strolling, and many visitors take advantage of this to visit the quaint bookstores, shops and bistros. There is also a theater playhouse that offers year-round entertainment featuring stage plays, concerts, and special events. Each year in June, Cannon Beach hosts “Sandcastle Day”. Contests, featured artist displays, live music and a barbecue make this an event not to be missed! Relaxed simplicity and a magnificent natural setting attract visitors all year to Cannon Beach. It's a delightful place for a day trip, or to stay a while. I have been frequenting Cannon Beach almost every year since I was a child. This is truly one of the most family-friendly beaches along the Oregon Coast. One can still build a fire on the beach at night to roast marshmallows, tell stories of the day or just enjoy the ambiance. Two- and 3-wheel bikes are plentiful and available to rent throughout the summer for beach riding. Kites and just about every possible beach toy are available to purchase from the many main street shops. My wife and I make sure we enjoy a glass of wine and a piece of pizza and a treat from the bakery every time we visit. Cannon Beach is a must see when you visit the Oregon coast. |
 |
