A Guide to the Best Hikes in Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is known for its iconic scenery—towering sea stacks, mist-draped forests, and a cinematic shoreline—but for hikers, the area is even more spectacular. The Oregon Coast Trail winds right through town, lush state parks border both ends of the community, and trails range from gentle beach walks to steep cliffside climbs. Here are some of the best hikes in the area.
1. Ecola State Park Trails
Ecola State Park sits just north of Cannon Beach and delivers some of the most dramatic coastal hiking in Oregon. Evergreen headlands, wildlife viewing, hidden coves, and sweeping views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse make every trail here memorable.
• Clatsop Loop Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Indian Beach parking area
One of the park’s signature loops, the Clatsop Trail blends lush old-growth forest with rugged coastal outlooks. Part of the route follows the historic trail used by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition. You’ll climb through spruce and hemlock stands, cross small creeks, and eventually reach viewpoints where the Pacific seems to stretch endlessly.
Highlights:
- Panoramas of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
- Dense coastal rainforest
- Excellent chances to spot elk grazing in the meadows
• Crescent Beach Trail
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Near Ecola Point
For hikers who want a little hidden adventure, Crescent Beach is a perfect choice. The trail descends through forest before emerging onto a wide, peaceful beach tucked between steep cliffs. It’s less visited than the main Cannon Beach shoreline, giving it an untouched, wild feel.
Highlights:
- Secluded beach perfect for picnics
- Tide pooling around the rocks
- Great photography in soft coastal light
• Tillamook Head Trail (Long Route)
Distance: 6.3 miles one-way (Cannon Beach to Seaside)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
If you want a full-day hike through deep forest with elevation change, the Tillamook Head full traverse is one of the Coast’s most iconic routes. It winds through old Sitka spruce, crosses creeks, climbs to viewpoints, and passes the backcountry hiker’s camp at the top of the headland.
Most hikers shuttle between Cannon Beach and Seaside, but many also choose an out-and-back from Indian Beach.
Highlights:
- Remote forest atmosphere
- Hiker shelters and viewpoints at the top
- Sweeping north-coast vista toward Seaside
2. Haystack Rock and Beach Walk
• Cannon Beach Shoreline Walk
Distance: Variable (1–4 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Anywhere along Cannon Beach
Sometimes the best hike in Cannon Beach isn’t a forest trail—it’s the long sandy beach stretching around Haystack Rock. This walk is perfect for families, sunrise enthusiasts, or casual strollers. Low tide reveals tide pools full of starfish and anemones, while waves break against the base of the towering sea stack.
Walk north toward Ecola State Park for quieter beaches, or south toward Tolovana for wide open shoreline and big surf.
Highlights:
- Haystack Rock up close
- Birdwatching (puffins in spring and early summer)
- Incredible sunrise and sunset photo opportunities
3. Hug Point State Recreation Area
Just a few minutes south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point offers short but fascinating hiking terrain. Here, sandstone cliffs meet the sea, forming caves, waterfalls, and tide-carved shelves you can walk during low tide.
• Hug Point Beach & Waterfall Walk
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Warning: Only safe at low tide
This mile-long journey may be short, but it’s packed with natural features. Visitors can walk along the old stagecoach road carved into the headland, explore small sea caves, and stand beside a seasonal waterfall that spills directly onto the beach.
Highlights:
- Walk a historic wagon road blasted into rock
- Sea caves and tide pools
- Waterfall on the shoreline
Important: Always check tide charts. High tide covers most of this route.
4. Oswald West State Park Trails
Oswald West State Park begins several minutes south of Cannon Beach and offers several of the Coast’s most beloved hikes. Steep fir forests, dramatic coastal overlooks, and secluded bays make this park a must-visit for hikers.
• Cape Falcon Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Cape Falcon is a classic Oregon Coast hike with a little bit of everything—mossy coastal rainforest, glimpses of Smuggler Cove far below, and one of the best viewpoints in the region at the cape’s edge. The final overlook hangs high above the Pacific, with Neahkahnie Mountain rising in the distance.
Highlights:
- Epic viewpoint overlooking Short Sand Beach
- Lush rainforest corridor
- Whales often seen from the cape in spring
• Neahkahnie Mountain (South or North Trail)
Distance: 3–5 miles round-trip depending on trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
For hikers craving elevation and big coastal views, Neahkahnie Mountain delivers in a huge way. The summit sits well above the coastline and gives a panoramic view of the entire north-coast sweep.
Highlights:
- One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Oregon
- Wildflower patches in late spring
- Excellent whale-watching vantage
• Short Sand Beach Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
A gentle wooded hike leads to the iconic Short Sand Beach—one of the most photogenic coves in the state. Although the trail is easy, the destination is gorgeous. Surfers dot the waves, waterfalls spill from cliffs, and dramatic basalt walls frame the sheltered bay.
Highlights:
- Family-friendly and peaceful
- Surf watching
- Lush forest and coastal creek crossings
5. Oregon Coast Trail Segments Near Cannon Beach
The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) runs through Cannon Beach and offers several enjoyable day-hike segments.
• Cannon Beach to Arch Cape OCT Segment
Distance: 4 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
This route mixes forest walking with beach sections, depending on tides. It’s a lovely way to experience both marine and woodland environments in one hike.
Highlights:
- Mix of shoreline, cliffs, and forest
- Quiet, scenic stretch of the OCT
- Great for photography
Tips for Hiking in Cannon Beach
1. Watch the Tides
Many Cannon Beach–area trails include beach segments. Always check tide tables—high tide can block access at Hug Point, around Haystack Rock, and certain OCT portions.
2. Bring Layers
Weather changes fast on the coast. Fog, wind, and light rain can sweep in even on sunny mornings.
3. Expect Mud
Forest trails near Cannon Beach stay damp year-round. Sturdy traction shoes are recommended.
4. Parking Can Be Tight
Arrive early for Ecola State Park and Oswald West, especially during summer weekends.
5. Respect Wildlife
Haystack Rock is a protected marine sanctuary—never climb it and always tread carefully around tide pools.
Cannon Beach blends some of Oregon’s most iconic coastal scenery with hiking options for every interest and skill level. From dramatic headland climbs in Ecola State Park to tranquil walks along the shoreline, the area offers endless outdoor adventures.
