Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach Day Tour with Pickup & Family Guide

Summary

Haystack Rock, Ecola trails, sea lions and Cannon Beach shops

You’ll walk windswept beaches beneath Haystack Rock, share stories with local guides, taste fresh seafood in Cannon Beach, and follow forest trails out to wild ocean overlooks. Expect laughter, muddy boots, and moments of real Pacific Northwest quiet—plus hotel pickup for an easy start.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in my pockets, I was still brushing sand off my shoes when our guide—Jim, the dad of the duo—pointed out a bald eagle circling above Haystack Rock. The air had that salty tang you only get near the Pacific, mixed with something green and earthy from the forest we’d just driven through. We’d left Portland early (with coffee in hand), and honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a day trip to the Oregon Coast. Jim’s son told us about Lewis and Clark trudging these same beaches—made me picture explorers squinting into this same grayish light.

Cannon Beach itself is kind of like a movie set if the extras were all locals walking dogs or popping into bakeries. Lunch was casual—clam chowder for me, which I’m still thinking about—and afterwards we wandered through little shops selling everything from wind chimes to saltwater taffy. There’s this unhurried rhythm here; even the seagulls seem to take their time. Our group was small enough that nobody got lost or felt rushed, which I really liked.

The hike through Ecola State Park was muddier than I expected (bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty), but it smelled like pine needles and ocean spray. We stopped at a viewpoint where you could hear sea lions barking down below—someone tried to spot them with binoculars but mostly we just listened. It wasn’t all postcard views; sometimes it was just quiet trees and damp air and the guides telling stories about growing up nearby. That part stuck with me more than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach

• Explore beach and Haystack Rock
• Have lunch and browse shops
• Pass through old-growth forest
• Hike to view sea lions and seabirds
• Hike through old growth forests
• Enjoy breathtaking viewpoint

Top questions

How long does the Oregon Coast tour from Portland take?

This is a full-day tour departing from Portland with several stops along the northern Oregon Coast including Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Cannon Beach?

Lunch is not included in the price but there’s free time to eat at one of Cannon Beach’s many restaurants or cafes.

Are hotel pickups available for this Oregon Coast tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Portland are included for your convenience.

How big are the groups on this Oregon Coast day trip?

The tour runs with a maximum of 14 people per booking for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though some hiking trails may be muddy or uneven.

Will we see wildlife like sea lions or seabirds?

You’ll have opportunities to spot sea lions and seabirds during hikes in Ecola State Park.

Can service animals join this Oregon Coast tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Portland, guidance from a small family-run team (father and son), comfortable transport along the coast, plus time for lunch in Cannon Beach before heading back through old-growth forests and scenic viewpoints.