Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Those who want to learn more about logging history in the northwest, or who simply are curious about vintage logging machinery, will find plenty of material at Camp 18. Outdoor displays include multiple steam donkeys such as a Dolbeer single spool, a very early first-generation model, to a high-tech late-model Willamette compound geared yarder that was the height of technology for its day. Other displays on site include a large bandsaw from a sawmill, a self-propelled Ohio steam crane, Caterpillar-style tracked vehicles that worked in the woods, a railroad skeleton log car and other heavy equipment plus a wide variety of large and small hardware. We will make a quick stop here on our way to the spectacular Oregon Coast so that you can explore the historic equipment, use the restroom, and buy some coffee if you want.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This peak is an inspiring place, where the Tillamook tribe believed their most powerful god resided. In fact, the name Neahkahnie comes from their words Ne (“place of”) and Ekahnie (“supreme deity”).  

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Stretching along four miles of coastline in dense, temperate rainforest, Oswald West State Park has a beautifully secluded sandy beach and miles of trails leading to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.  This vast, scenic treasure is without a doubt one of the most spectacular parks in Oregon. 

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

No visit to Cannon Beach would be complete ­without visiting Ecola State Park, perched dramatically on the edge of Tillamook Head. Ecola Park Road winds through old growth rainforest before emerging at one of the Oregon Coast’s most famous views, overlooking numerous rock formations and the capes and headlands miles to the south. 

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Manzanita is a beautiful oceanside city with seven miles of sandy beach and the third most photographed scenery in Oregon. While here you can enjoy a spectacular walk by the ocean or explore their lovely downtown.

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This picturesque small-town village by the sea is easily walkable and you will be able to explore meandering pathways, enjoy public art and courtyards spilling over with flowers. Known as one of the Northwest’s top art towns, Cannon Beach is filled with art galleries, specialty shops, cafes and fine dining restaurants. While in Cannon Beach you will have time for lunch at one of their amazing restaurants.  Cannon Beach is also famous for its amazing beaches. 

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

 Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, home to colorful tidepools and diverse bird life. It rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. At low tide, you can walk right up to it and find colorful sea stars and other fascinating tidepool creatures in its intertidal area. Puffins can be observed on Haystack Rock from early spring to mid-summer, offering the most accessible viewing of Tufted Puffins in the Northwest.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free