A Million-Year-Old Beauty

There’s a mile or so of coastline in Oregon that is photographed more than any other, and it’s where you will find one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks, a massive monolith called Haystack Rock. A closer look reveals that it’s more than just a big rock, as a protected Marine Garden and National Wildlife Refuge it is teaming with life.

About 80 miles west from Portland, is the town of Cannon Beach, Oregon. National Geographic once named it one of The World's 100 Most Beautiful Places. It is easy to see why, Cannon Beach doesn’t disappoint. This seaside resort town is perfectly kept with its weathered shake-shingled cottages and quaint shops, and everywhere you look you’ll find colorful gardens, hanging baskets and containers overflowing with blooming flowers. Comfortable cafes and seafood restaurants serve up steaming bowls of clam chowder, and imaginative art galleries tempt you with a plethora of art forms. C.B. is also a very dog-friendly town too!

But Cannon Beach draws its spirit and power from its natural surroundings. Its wide sandy beach temps you from every corner. Driving along the coast, you’ll see glimpses of the ocean, but what really catches your attention are the massive rock formations rising out of the water.

The crown jewel in this 4-mile expanse of beach is Haystack Rock, a sea stack rising 325 feet. Haystack Rock was formed millions of years ago by lava flows hundreds of miles to the east that created Oregon’s dramatic coast. How did it get its name? Easy, it resembles a stack of hay. Haystack Rock shares its sand-packed stage with a few smaller rock formations collectively called “The Needles”.

One important rule when scouting and producing is to make sure you see your location at its best time of day, and that usually depends on the sunlight and how it falls on the location. It's a good rule to remember on vacation too, especially if you're taking lots of pictures. In the case of Haystack Rock, the perfect time of day to really experience it is during low tide. In fact, low tide is the only time you can walk right up to the tidal pools surrounding it. These shallow waters are home to colorful starfish, sea anemone, crabs, mussels, and other sea creatures. And if you gaze up at Haystack Rock, you’ll see it’s also the nesting home for seabirds including Gulls, Cormorants, and the immensely popular Tufted Puffin.

Another producer tip, before you head out to explore the Rock, check out the website or Facebook page of The Haystack Rock Awareness Program. HRAP offers tips on visiting the Rock and displays monthly calendars of interpretive programs held on the beach around low tide during the spring, summer and early fall months. The mission of HRAP is to protect, through education, the intertidal waters and bird ecology at Haystack Rock. Once you arrive at the Rock, you’ll easily spot HRAP’s red pickup truck and volunteer interpreters wearing red jackets. They have telescopes and binoculars for birdwatching and are on hand to answer any questions you have about the sea life. Their enthusiasm, love and protection of Haystack Rock is infectious.

To say that Haystack Rock is awe-inspiring may be an understatement. Impressive, formidable, breathtaking, even magnificent are words I would use to describe its presence, whether up-close or from a distance. Haystack Rock and the life it supports attracts beach goers by its wonders every day. And it’s good to know that this million-year-old natural wonder has a group of dedicated guardians looking over it, protecting it for another million years.

Travel Tips

• For more information on Cannon Beach and everything it offers - Check out: https://www.cannonbeach.org/

• One important rule regarding Haystack Rock – no climbing! Designated as a National Wildlife Refuge, no climbing allowed anytime, anywhere.

• Have you ever seen a Tufted Puffin? If not, then April is one of the best months to visit. These distinctive looking birds spend months floating and diving on the open seas only to return each Spring to Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock to lay eggs and raise their chicks.

Check out: The Haystack Rock Awareness Program at http://friendsofhaystackrock.org/haystack-rock-awareness-program/

• If you’re crazy about sandcastles then you'll love the annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest - it’s been a treasured tradition for more than 50 years, and the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Check out: https://www.cannonbeach.org/event/56th-annual-(virtual)-sandcastle-contest-2020-summer-of-sandcastles/18/

• What’s better than a bonfire on the beach? In Cannon Beach bonfires are allowed as long as you follow a few simple rules. A memorable way to end the day in Cannon Beach!

Check out Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=141