The best walks and hikes around Cannon Beach

Yes, many trails and beaches in the Cannon Beach area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. The beaches themselves, including the walk around Haystack Rock at low tide, are great for a walk with your dog. For a forested trail experience, the trails within Oswald West State Park are also generally welcoming to leashed dogs.

For a very accessible and scenic family outing, the Haystack Rock via Elk Creek Road loop is an excellent choice. It's a mostly flat walk that combines beach scenery with a bit of town exploration. Another great option is the short, half-mile trail to Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park, which leads to a beautiful, sheltered cove.

Yes, you can find a waterfall directly on the beach at Hug Point State Recreation Site. To see it, you need to visit during low tide. The short walk along the beach from the access point reveals sea caves and the small waterfall cascading onto the sand, offering a unique coastal hiking experience.

The Tillamook Head trail, which follows the path of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is considered challenging. The full route between Seaside and Indian Beach is over six miles one-way and involves significant elevation gain through dense coastal rainforest. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so proper hiking footwear is essential. The Indian Beach – Indian Beach Trail loop incorporates parts of this terrain and is rated as difficult.

The trails around Cannon Beach are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning combination of lush temperate rainforest and dramatic Pacific Ocean vistas. The ability to walk from a dense Sitka spruce forest directly onto a sandy beach is a consistently highlighted feature of the region.

Absolutely. For a moderately challenging loop that combines forest and beach, the Crescent Beach – Haystack Rock loop is a fantastic option. It takes you up through the forest in Ecola State Park to the secluded Crescent Beach before returning along the main beach for views of Haystack Rock.

Summer and early fall (July through September) typically offer the driest and warmest weather, making it the most popular time for hiking. However, spring is beautiful with blooming wildflowers and is a great time for whale watching from coastal viewpoints like those in Ecola State Park. Winter hiking is also possible but be prepared for rain, wind, and muddy trails.

You can't hike *to* the top of Haystack Rock as it's a protected National Wildlife Refuge, but you can easily walk right up to its base during low tide. A simple and popular route is the walk along the Oregon Coast Trail on Cannon Beach. Check the tide charts before you go to ensure you have plenty of time to explore the tide pools.

Ecola State Park is renowned for its spectacular coastal views. The main viewpoint at Ecola Point offers panoramic vistas of the coastline, sea stacks, and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. For views earned on a trail, the Cape Falcon Trail in Oswald West State Park leads you through the forest to an exposed headland with sweeping views north and south along the coast.

Yes, you can hike between Cannon Beach and Seaside via the Tillamook Head Trail. This is a strenuous one-way hike of approximately 6.3 miles (10 km). The trail climbs over the headland through dense forest. Most people start at the Indian Beach trailhead in Ecola State Park and hike north to Seaside, or arrange a car shuttle to do it as a one-way trip.

Trails in Ecola State Park vary. Paved paths at the main Ecola Point viewpoint are very easy and accessible. The dirt trails, like the section of the Oregon Coast Trail connecting to Indian Beach, can be muddy and have exposed roots. After heavy rain, trails can become very slippery. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes.