Haystack Rock is like a beacon on the Oregon Coast, attracting visitors at different times of day, across the seasons, and in all types of weather.
Where is Haystack Rock?
Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast.
Haystack Rock is located at Cannon Beach, just 80 miles west of Portland, Oregon.
The City of Cannon Beach is four miles in length, has a population of 1,507, and receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually. A charming place with many hotels, restaurants, and shops, Cannon Beach can be your base to explore the Oregon Coast. While Cannon Beach is a popular destination year-round, the best times of year to visit are June through September, for more sunshine than drizzle. But it’s Oregon, so wear layers as the weather varies throughout the day.
Haystack Rock and The Needles
Haystack Rock at sunset.
Haystack Rock is a sea stack, a type of monolithic rock.
Created from a lava flow, Haystack Rock is basalt rock, stands at 235 feet (72 meters) tall, and is more than 15 million years old. The rock was formed from a volcanic hotspot under what is now Yellowstone National Park. While other surrounding rock has eroded away, Haystack Rock remains an iconic natural landmark on the Oregon Coast. Why is it called Haystack Rock? It’s not unusual to describe things by how they look. Haystack Rock looks like a haystack. 
The Needles.
There are smaller rock formations next to Haystack Rock. These spire-shaped rocks are called “The Needles” (from “needle in a haystack”).
Haystack Rock’s intertidal area is one of Oregon’s seven Marine Gardens, and above the high tide line, Haystack Rock is protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This dual protection as a Marine Garden and a Wildlife Refuge reflects the commitment to preserving both the natural beauty and the delicate ecosystems that depend on Haystack Rock. What birds live on Haystack Rock? 
Exploring the tide pools.
Seagulls like Haystack Rock because there is plenty to scavenge.
Black Oystercatchers nest here. (Actually, Black Oystercatchers are mostly brown and rarely eat oysters; they prefer mussels.) While there are about 500 Black Oystercatchers on the Oregon Coast, the species is vulnerable to climate change, human disturbance, and a dependence on rocky shorelines for habitat. But most people visit Haystack Rock for the puffins. Tufted Puffins to be exact. 
Tufted Puffin.
Tufted Puffins like to burrow into Haystack Rock. The rock is a protected marine sanctuary and nesting site (April-August) for these puffins.
Every April, more than 100 Tufted Puffins return to Haystack Rock to nest. Your best chance to see the puffins is in the morning between 8am and 11am. Friends of Haystack Rock organizes an annual event called The Great Puffin Watch (usually July 1 to July 4), with spotting scopes placed to the east of the rock for observing the puffins. In mid-August, the Tufted Puffins return to the open sea until the following Spring. While you can get close and explore around Haystack Rock, respect the wildlife and nesting areas. For each bird you disturb at Haystack Rock, you can be fined $250. If your use of drones or planes disturbs the birds, then you can rack up a $5,000 fine very quickly. 
Beach patrol at The Needles.
At low tide during the Spring and Summer, you’ll see trained volunteers in red jackets. The mission of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program is to protect the birds and to educate the public.
Is Haystack Rock worth visiting? 
Morning mist at Haystack Rock.
Haystack Rock is one of the most photographed spots on the Oregon Coast. You don’t even need a sunny day.
Let the water and the weather dance around Haystack Rock. It is the perfect photo subject; it never moves. You can get close to Haystack Rock only at low tide. Keep in mind that the water is cold (59F/15C is the high) and weather conditions affect the tides. Generally, there are two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours. The smaller or more negative the number, the lower the tide. A “minus tide” means below sea level, with more of the beach exposed. The beach sand is firm, making Haystack Rock accessible at low tide for people of various ages and mobility levels. To help you plan a safe trip to Cannon Beach, see these tide charts and these safety tips. 
Mr. Big Lens on Cannon Beach.
You don’t need a big lens to capture Haystack Rock. It looks just as amazing on a little digital camera or your mobile phone.
You might want to set an alarm on your phone for the next high tide because Haystack Rock will tempt you to stay. But even at low tide, stick to the sand and the tide pools to protect yourself and Haystack Rock. Watch the waves and keep in mind that the nearest public restrooms are located at 1188 South Hemlock Street (0.4 mile from Haystack Rock), next to the American Legion Post. 
Public restrooms at 1188 South Hemlock Street.
Where to park for Haystack Rock? 
Public parking areas near Haystack Rock.
Best tip for free parking (especially in summertime): Arrive early (before 10am) on a weekday, if possible.
There are several public lots on Hemlock Street (about half-mile from Haystack Rock) in downtown Cannon Beach and limited metered on-street parking spots along Hemlock Street. Near the Tolovana Beach access point (about one mile from Haystack Rock) there is a midtown parking area with a daily parking permit. For a clifftop view, you can visit Ecola State Park (about 1.7 miles from Haystack Rock) with a daily parking permit. Where to stay near Haystack Rock 
Surfsand Resort on Cannon Beach.
Want more than a day trip? Three recommendations from an Oregon friend on where to stay near Haystack Rock: Surfsand Resort, Hallmark Resort, and Stephanie Inn.
Surfsand and Hallmark offer mid-range pricing during the summer. Both resorts are family-friendly and pet-friendly. Stephanie Inn is more expensive and includes a complimentary breakfast buffet. The inn is better suited for adults and couples. All three hotels are located on Cannon Beach and are a short drive or walk into town. We chose the Surfsand Resort. You don’t need to pay for a beachfront room. We stayed in Room #4102 which is a “non-view” room, but we could see Haystack Rock (it’s hard to miss). All the rooms at Surfsand are within 150 yards of the beach. 
A crackling fire at the Surfsand.
I would pay the $15 at Surfsand for a bundle of seasoned firewood on the beach. An attendant will build the fire for you. It’s a beautiful and relaxing way to spend an evening on the beach.
Surfsand also has an on-site restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And, of course, there’s a view of Haystack Rock from the restaurant. For breakfast at the Surfsand, try the Malted Waffle with Blueberry Compote and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream. 
Best waffle ever at the Surfsand.
Surfsand Resort
148 West Gower Avenue Cannon Beach, Oregon Reservations: 855-394-6291 https://www.surfsand.com/ 
Haystack Rock dark against the clouds.
If you’re exploring the Oregon Coast, plan to spend at least a few hours in Cannon Beach and visit Haystack Rock. Check the tide schedule in advance, bring sturdy shoes, dress in layers (it’s the coast after all), and arrive with time to spare. Walk the beach, grab a snack in town, and just breathe in the salt air. See more Places to Go: Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride Millicent Rogers Museum Authentic Native American Jewelry Jane Austen House Lacock Abbey England Cape Cod Lavender Farm Harwich 
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