📷 Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashHaystack Rock
Cannon Beach, OR
A 235-foot sea stack with tide pools at its base. Puffins nest here in spring and early summer.
Haystack Rock is a 235-foot (72 m) basalt sea stack just off the beach at Cannon Beach. It formed some 15 to 17 million years ago from lava flows and was separated from the mainland by erosion. The rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is designated a Marine Garden. Within 300 yards (275 m) of it, no animals or materials may be removed, and climbing above the barnacle line is prohibited.
At low tide you can walk out to the rock and look for sea stars, anemones, crabs and nudibranchs in the tide pools; it is best to arrive an hour or more before low tide. Tufted puffins nest from April to July and are easiest to spot in June and July. From mid-February to late October, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program provides information at low tide. Keep an eye on the tides and never turn your back on the ocean.
- Nearest town
- Cannon Beach, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.8844, -123.9687
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- cannon beach parkMotorhome stopover0 mi from Haystack RockMotorhomes
- Cannon Beach RV ResortMotorhome stopover1 mi from Haystack Rock · 99 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- The RetreatCampsite1 mi from Haystack RockTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Nehalem Bay State Park Hiker/Biker CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Haystack RockTentsDrinking water
- Nehalem Bay State Park Main CampgroundsCampsite13 mi from Haystack RockTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowers
- Shorewood RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Haystack RockCaravansMotorhomes
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Haystack Rock?
Haystack Rock is in Cannon Beach, OR, at GPS 45.8844, -123.9687. It is about 22 mi from Astoria.
Can you camp near Haystack Rock?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is cannon beach park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Haystack Rock?
Haystack Rock is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Olympic Peninsula by RV and Oregon Coast on US-101.
What is there to see near Haystack Rock?
Places worth a stop nearby: Astoria Column (22 mi), Cape Meares Lighthouse (27 mi), Cape Lookout Trail (38 mi) and Cape Kiwanda (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Haystack Rock?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)