Cannon Beach Hiking Tour on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is an experience like no other and our guides have selected a quieter, slower approach to the day: a visit to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach; hikes through old-growth forests to views beyond what the common tourist sees; up-close encounters with the iconic monoliths that make the Oregon Coast so unusual; a lunch stop in a sweet beach town; recommendations for our favorite cinnamon rolls, pie or ice cream; sand (if you want it) between your toes. Day tours can feel long but ours feels more like a just-right exploration with plenty of time to sit however you like with the majesty of the ocean -- or spend most of your time wandering in the forest as you listen to waves crash beneath you. If you choose to walk with us in the forest, your day will include some short but steep low-elevation incline hiking.

1. 1

   Oregon Coast

   1.3 hours

   The drive to the Oregon Coast is through the luscious county and state forests of Oregon and over two Coastal Range mountain passes. We may stop at a scenic viewpoint, weather permitting.

2. 2

   Cannon Beach

   2 hours

   Visiting Cannon Beach is an extraordinary highlight of any coastal visit; from stunning beaches with dramatic features to rainforests to salt water taffy shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants: this town has it all. We'll chat about the history -- why Cannon and not "Cannons" beach? -- and the peoples of the Clatsop tribe and other coastal people, like the Salish, who were here before the cannons and taffy. We'll make recommendations for lunch. We'll give you lots of time to explore.

3. 3

   Haystack Rock

   20 min

   The extraordinary rock that was a feature of several films, including the 1980s The Goonies, is also home to many seabirds. We will visit close enough for some great photos -- the rock itself is off limits as a sensitive nesting area for murres and tufted puffins.

4. 4

   Ecola State Park

   1.7 hours

   Ecola is a unique landscape, a coastal rainforest with old growth Sitka spruce and Western hemlock trees, countless ferns and berry plants, and wild life right on the edge of Cannon Beach. We'll spend some time here, long enough for a hike up to the viewpoint overlooking another movie filming location -- beach scenes from the Twilight movie were filmed here. If desired, you'll hike from 1-3 miles (2-5 km) in the forest at Ecola.

5. 5

   Indian Beach

   15 min

   This gorgeous beach featured in several movies, including Twilight and Point Break. We'll visit it either as the destination of a hike or as a special stop, depending on weather and the group.

6. 6

   Tillamook State Forest

   1.3 hours

   The Tillamook State Forest is part of the many county and state forests we pass through on the way back home from the Oregon Coast. If you're feeling alert, you'll notice lots of the flowers and trees that we learned about at the coast, plus lots of species that don't grow as big anywhere but here in the relatively higher elevation mountain passes.

7. 7

   Camp 18 Logging Museum

   30 min

   The logging museum on the way to and from the Oregon Coast is a favorite stop for gawking at old tractors and equipment, grabbing a gift at the eclectic gift shop, and if desired, trying one of their famous enormous cinnamon rolls.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   We'll stop at this iconic viewpoint, weather permitting, for the stunning views of Manzanita Beach below

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• contact us about infant accommodations
• the hiking options require ability to manage short but steep inclines; travelers with health concerns should consider that

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.