Highlights
- Tide Pooling at Haystack Rock during low tide
- Breakfast at The Lazy Susan Café (cash only)
- Coffee at Insomnia Coffee Co.
- Hug Point — a lesser-known beach with a waterfall and sea caves
- Scenic drive South along Highway 101 for viewpoints and great stops
- Hike and drive Ecola State Park for beautiful views
Cannon Beach makes an ideal day trip from Portland — easy to reach, beautiful to explore, and filled with unexpected moments.
We flew into Portland the day before, rented a car, got settled into our hotel, and enjoyed an evening in the city. The next morning, we set out early to make the most of our day on the coast. After a scenic 80-mile drive west along US-26 and Highway 101, we arrived at Haystack Rock just in time for low tide — ideal for exploring the shoreline and tide pools. We proceeded to spend the day exploring all that Cannon Beach has to offer.
Haystack Rock
We timed our visit to Haystack Rock for low tide. We got to see lots of starfish, anemones, crabs, and birds in the tide pools surrounding the base of Haystack Rock. Beach patrol setup signs with volunteers to explain what you are seeing. They also provide binoculars to see the birds and wildlife.
Lazy Susan Café
After exploring Haystack Rock, we went down the road to get breakfast at The Lazy Susan Café in downtown Cannon Beach. This establishment is cash only and there is no ATM. The food was delicious, and we would strongly recommend to try their housemade jam on an english muffin. Overall, the café is cozy and known for warm service and fresh, seasonal dishes.
Insomnia Coffee Co.
Before hitting the road to explore South on Highway 101, we stopped at Insomnia Coffee Co. for a quick cup of coffee. It was a cool vibe and had good coffee. If you are nearby and wanting a cup, it is worth stopping by.
Hug Point
A few miles south of Cannon Beach on Highway 101, we made a stop at Hug Point. It is a quiet beach that quickly became one of our favorite discoveries of the day. Scattered along the beach are sea caves that you can explore and get great pictures in. Heading North, you can walk around a cliff to find a tucked away beach only accessible by foot. On this beach, there is a large sea cave and waterfall. Do not go during high tide to ensure you can explore.
Scenic Drive
Continuing South on Highway 101, you get beautiful views, massive cliffs, and plenty of pullout opportunities. Additionally, you get to see small towns and drive along the river surrounded by green forest. If you have time, we recommend making the drive and exploring the coastline.
Ecola State Park
A short drive North of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is one of the most scenic state parks in Oregon. We explored a lot of it via car, but got out to walk around as well. There are plenty of trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas. The park offers stunning views of forests and beaches. Additionally, this is a very popular surfing spot, so you can watch surfers catching waves or join in on the fun if you have a board.
Final Tips
- 90 minutes from Portland
- Bring cash
- Check tide times before planning your visit — low tide makes all the difference
- Pack layers — it can shift quickly from foggy to sunny
- We made this a day trip, but Cannon Beach had tons of cute beachfront lodges and inns that looked amazing