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

Summary

Walk misty forests meet surfers at Cannon Beach and watch puffins at Haystack Rock

You’ll feel Oregon’s wild side up close: misty rainforests at Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach’s quirky charm (and chowder), tide pools by Haystack Rock with puffins overhead, plus hidden caves at Hug Point if tides allow. With snacks, pickup, and a local guide who actually knows their stuff, this day trip leaves you feeling small in the best possible way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air at Ecola State Park to smell so green — like wet cedar and salt, with this undercurrent of something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Jamie, handed us binoculars right out of the van (which was way comfier than I thought it’d be) and pointed toward a herd of elk just standing there in the drizzle. I’d never seen trees that big up close — Sitka spruce with bark rough as old rope. Jamie told us about Lewis & Clark seeing this same view and honestly, it kind of hit me how old everything felt. The wind made my hood flap against my ear, which was annoying but also sort of perfect for the mood.

We wound down Highway 101, which is one of those roads that makes you want to stare out the window for hours. Cannon Beach was next — I’d heard about it but didn’t realize how much locals love their art galleries and microbreweries (I tried some weird seaweed beer; not sure if I’d do that again). The beach itself goes on forever. There were surfers in full wetsuits just standing around laughing at the cold. Lunch was whatever you wanted — I grabbed clam chowder and sat outside even though it was chilly because everything tasted better with that salty wind in your face.

Haystack Rock is way bigger than photos make it look. We got lucky with low tide so we could poke around tide pools — sea stars are squishier than you think. Jamie showed us tufted puffins through the binoculars (they look like cartoon birds), and some kid nearby kept shouting every time he found a crab. At Hug Point later on, there were caves and this little waterfall pouring right onto the sand — someone said pirates used to hide here but who knows if that’s true. My shoes got soaked but honestly, I didn’t care by then.

On the drive back to Portland everyone was quiet in that good way where you’re tired but your head’s still buzzing from what you saw. I keep thinking about those ancient trees at Ecola State Park — how they’ve been watching storms roll in for hundreds of years while we’re all just passing through for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oregon Coast and Coastal Towns

• Drive through Coast Range Mountains
• Visit Ecola Point viewpoint
• Explore Ecola State Park forest
• Optional stroll at Indian Beach
• Walk through temperate rainforest
• Wander Cannon Beach streets
• Lunch in Cannon Beach
• Visit Haystack Rock and tide pools
• Stop at Hug Point or Oswald West Park
• Optional hike at Short Sands beach
• View from Neahkahnie mountain
• Return to Portland city

Top questions

How long does the Oregon Coast day trip from Portland take?

The tour lasts a full day, departing from Portland in the morning and returning by evening.

Is lunch included on the Oregon Coast tour?

No, lunch is not included but there’s free time to eat at restaurants or cafes in Cannon Beach.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

Yes, bottled water and light snacks like granola bars or trail mix are provided.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Portland?

The tour includes pickup; check with your operator for exact locations or arrangements.

What wildlife might I see on this Oregon Coast day trip?

You may spot elk, bald eagles, tufted puffins at Haystack Rock, sea lions, seals, and more depending on season.

Is there much walking or hiking involved?

There are short walks or optional hikes through forest trails and along beaches; suitable for most fitness levels.

Can children or infants join this Oregon Coast tour?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during stops.

Will we visit both Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach?

Yes; both Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach are key stops on this guided day trip from Portland.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Portland by air-conditioned vehicle with a naturalist guide leading the way. You’ll get bottled water and light snacks throughout the day (think granola bars or trail mix), plus plenty of stops to explore forests, beaches, tide pools—and time for lunch wherever you like before heading back to town in the evening.