Cannon Beach Day Trip from Portland: Haystack Rock & Coast Hike

Hike through old-growth forest, then spend the afternoon at Haystack Rock and tide pools

This eight to nine-hour day trip from Portland follows Oregon's rugged northern coast to Cannon Beach, with stops at Camp 18 Logging Museum, a guided hike through Sitka spruce forest to Smuggler's Cove, viewpoints overlooking sea stacks, and a lunch stop in the artist community of Cannon Beach where you explore galleries, shops and the famous Haystack Rock. A live guide leads the route. Pickup is included, along with bottled water and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Camp 18 Logging Museum15m
2. Cannon Beach3h

Explore Northern Oregon Coast highlights

• Visit Camp 18 Logging Museum
• Stop at Neahkahnie Mountain viewpoint
• Hike to Smuggler's Cove beach
• Visit Short Sands Beach and Neahkahnie Viewpoint
• Explore Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

The experience

The day starts at Camp 18 Logging Museum, a roadside collection of artifacts from Portland's Golden Age between 1905 and 1930, when logging fueled the city's economy. From there the route heads north along US 101, climbing into the largest state park on the Oregon Coast with stops at viewpoints overlooking the sea stack-studded coastline that has appeared in films and marks the furthest south the Lewis and Clark expedition ventured.

The centerpiece is a hike through old-growth forest where massive Sitka spruce, western redcedar and Douglas-fir tower overhead, leading down to Smuggler's Cove: a secluded beach with a waterfall and sandstone caves where surfers gather year-round. The route also passes Short Sands Beach and stops at Neahkahnie Viewpoint on the slopes of Neahkahnie Mountain, where the coast stretches south in white waves. Tide pools are included if the tides allow.

The afternoon centers on Cannon Beach, where you have time to walk the beach, explore tide pools around Haystack Rock (the most famous sea stack in Oregon), browse galleries and boutique shops, or sit in a cafe. The artist community has restaurants and cafes if you want to add lunch on your own. An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group. Those in the back can hear the guide through a PA system.

What’s included

• Pickup from Portland.
• air-conditioned vehicle with PA system so you can hear the guide from anywhere in the group.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• entry to Camp 18 Logging Museum.
• the guided hike through old-growth forest.
• all viewpoint stops along the coast.
• access to Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock and tide pools.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (8 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Terran Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if your group has varying fitness levels and you want a guide handling the route decisions and driving. The pacing lets everyone manage the forest hike and beach sections together without splitting up.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3).

What is Haystack Rock and why is it worth seeing?

Haystack Rock is the most famous sea stack in Oregon, a towering sandstone formation rising from Cannon Beach that you can walk around at low tide to explore tide pools and sea caves. The rock has appeared in films and is the centerpiece of the beach stop on this tour.

How much time do I get to spend at Cannon Beach itself?

The tour allocates a substantial portion of the afternoon to Cannon Beach, giving you freedom to split your time between Haystack Rock and the tide pools, the galleries and boutique shops, cafes, or simply walking the beach as you prefer.

What is Smuggler's Cove and how do I get there?

Smuggler's Cove is a secluded beach at the base of Cape Falcon, reached by a guided hike through old-growth forest of massive Sitka spruce and cedar trees. The beach has a waterfall, sandstone caves, and is known for year-round surfers. Local lore connects it to The Goonies film.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but the tour stops in Cannon Beach where you can buy food at restaurants and cafes, or you can bring your own. Bottled water and snacks are provided during the day.

What should I wear for the hike to Smuggler's Cove?

The hike goes through a forest and down to a beach, so wear layers and waterproof or water-resistant shoes since the terrain can be muddy and wet. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the hike involves walking through uneven forest and down to the cove.

Does the tour stop at any other beaches besides Cannon Beach?

Yes, the route includes Short Sands Beach and Smuggler's Cove, each with different character: Short Sands is a popular beach accessed from the highway, while Smuggler's Cove is the secluded waterfall beach reached by forest hike.