About
While Haystack Rock is north of the Central Oregon Coast, it's well worth the time and effort to get there!
The iconic basalt sea stack is instantly recognizable as one of Oregon's top attractions. Rising 235 feet from the Pacific Ocean, this rugged monolith is the heart and soul of the region.
It towers over Cannon Beach and is just steps away from popular restaurant-filled streets. Be sure to grab a table at Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge for a breathtaking view of Haystack Rock while dining, especially at sunset. Another prime dining destination is Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market, which claims, "Our freshness will have you hooked."
Jutting up from the shore, Haystack Rock attracts visitors from across the globe. Some of these guests have been Hollywood producers and stars who filmed such classics as The Goonies, Free Willy, Point Break, Twilight, and Kindergarten Cop.
Additionally, Haystack Rock draws wildlife to its intertidal area, and is a protected zone and one of Oregon's seven Marine Gardens. It is also home to a colony of bunnies. Yes, you read that correctly; bunnies! We'll discuss this in more detail in our next section.
Haystack Rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. In the spring or summer, you may glimpse tufted puffins, and it's an excellent spot for bird-watching year-round.
Visiting this iconic landmark is an essential part of any Central Coast getaway. Visit for a day or rent one of our Cannon Beach properties for an extended stay.
Haystack Rock: Fun Facts & Cool Features
A fun fact is that it isn't a rock! It's part of the Oregon Coast's geological history, formed millions of years ago by lava flows. These lava flows created the jutted coastline and headlands along the enchanting Oregon Coast.
A cool feature is the incredible five-foot fluctuation between high and low tides, particularly during new or full moons. It's best to visit Haystack Rock about an hour or more before low tide. During this phase, intertidal pools teem with sea life, including colorful sea stars, so be prepared to be amazed!
The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) was established in the mid-1980s to guard the ecosystem of this esteemed location. The program is in effect much of the year, and from about mid-February to late October, the HRAP leads interpretative programs during daytime low tides.
If visiting early spring through midsummer, Haystack Rock offers the best viewing point of orange-billed tufted puffins in the Northwest. You may also spot Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks, and occasionally Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, which prey on other birds at the rock.
A cute and fascinating creature feature is the aforementioned Cannon Beach Bunnies. The overabundance of these floppy-ear hoppers is the result of a family releasing their pets into the wild in the 1980s. As you can surmise, the bunny population exploded, creating a debate amongst locals on what to do with the bunnies. You can learn more about these cute creatures at Cannon Beach Bunny Rescue.
Another cool feature is that Haystack Rock is near Hug Point State Park in Arch Cape and the Oregon Scenic Railroad in Rockaway Beach, which makes visiting either in a day doable. Picnicking is another popular activity, especially with the various eateries in Cannon Beach.
Haystack Rock rises from the sand and surf as a testimony to centuries of change from wind and water. The natural monument is a visual storyteller of the lava flows that ran through this area about 17 million years ago. Adding this iconic stack to your Central Coast vacation is a no-brainer!
Local Tips
- Check the tide calendar to plan the best time to visit Haystack Rock.
- Visit early to grab a parking spot; lots fill up quickly in summer.
- The best time for photos is in the morning with the sun behind you.
- Sunsets at Haystack Rock are breathtaking! Plan a picnic or photo shoot.
- Stay alert to waves, and don't turn your back on the ocean.
- Remember, take only memories, not items or sea life.
