Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock & Manzanita

Summary

Walk sandy paths, watch puffins at Haystack Rock, and wander art-filled Cannon Beach

You’ll feel Oregon’s wild spirit on this day trip from Portland: wander Oswald West’s rainforest trails, watch puffins at Haystack Rock, browse Cannon Beach galleries, and end with toes in Manzanita’s sand. Includes hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every shortcut—and probably every bakery too.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we rolled up to Camp 18 Logging Museum, I’d already spilled coffee on my sleeve (van hit a bump—classic), but honestly, it kind of fit the mood. Our guide, Mike, pointed out some old steam donkeys and logging gear while the morning air smelled like wet cedar and something sweet from their bakery. I half-listened, half-watched a couple of locals chatting by a rusty sawmill part. It felt like we were stepping into someone else’s story for a second before heading back out toward the Oregon Coast.

The first real hit of salt air came at Oswald West State Park. We followed this winding path through ferns so green they looked fake. There was this moment where the trees just opened up and suddenly there’s Short Sands Beach—misty, empty except for two surfers in thick wetsuits. The sand was cold and fine under my shoes. Mike told us about Neahkahnie Point and how the Tillamook tribe believed it was home to their most powerful god. I tried to picture that—clouds moving fast overhead, wind picking up bits of sea spray—felt right somehow.

Cannon Beach itself is almost too pretty but not in a postcard way—more like you walk down Main Street and someone’s dog is sleeping in a flower bed outside an art gallery. We had free time here; I wandered into a shop selling handblown glass floats and ended up with sand in my socks from cutting through a side alley to get lunch (fish tacos, if you’re curious). Then we all met at Haystack Rock at low tide. Kids were crouched over tide pools counting purple sea stars while someone pointed out puffins nesting high up on the rock. I didn’t expect to laugh so much watching a crab try to steal someone’s snack.

On the way back, we stopped at Manzanita for one last walk—the beach felt endless and quiet except for gulls arguing over something shiny. I still think about that view: grey sky pressed against blue water with nothing but sand between you and whatever comes next. It wasn’t perfect weather but maybe that’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach

• Stop at Camp 18 Logging Museum
• Walk along original stagecoach road at Hug Point
• Visit Oswald West State Park beach and trails
• Enjoy views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse at Ecola State Park
• Explore Ecola State Park viewpoints
• Hike to Neahkahnie Point summit
• Walk and shop in Cannon Beach village
• Explore tide pools at Haystack Rock
• Visit Manzanita beach and downtown

Top questions

How long is the Oregon Coast day trip from Portland?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from downtown Portland with multiple stops along the coast including Cannon Beach and Manzanita.

Is hotel pickup included for this Oregon Coast tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at downtown Portland hotels.

Do you visit Haystack Rock during low tide?

The itinerary aims for low tide so guests can explore tide pools around Haystack Rock when possible.

Are meals or lunch included on this day trip?

No meals are included; you have free time in Cannon Beach to choose your own restaurant or café for lunch.

What should I wear or bring on this Oregon Coast tour?

Dress in layers for changing coastal weather; bring comfortable shoes for walking on sand and forest trails.

Can children join this Oregon Coast day trip?

Children aged 3-6 need their own car seat; please bring one as operators cannot provide them.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking on uneven terrain and sandy beaches.

Does the tour run if it's raining?

Yes, the tour operates rain or shine along the Oregon Coast.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with bottled water provided throughout, hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Portland, plus guidance from an experienced local who’ll share stories (and maybe bakery tips) along the way before bringing you back in the evening.