A Week on the Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Ecola State Park · Haystack Rock · Pelican Brewing · Oswald West State Park · Cape Falcon Trailhead · Kilchis Point Reserve
7-day United States trip — Cannon Beach to Tillamook. Day-by-day route, attractions and food.
Cannon Beach and Tillamook offer a raw, moody Pacific coastline that coastal California towns like Santa Barbara lack. You trade palm trees and surf culture for sea stacks, old-growth forests, and the distinct smell of salt spray against damp pine. This is built for those who prefer foggy morning hikes and local dairy history over boardwalks and nightlife.
Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park
Day 1 · Coastal Landscapes and Viewpoints
Cannon Beach Gallery
Day 2 · Artistic and Culinary Local Finds
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Day 3 · Historic Lighthouses and Sites
Tillamook Creamery
Day 3 · A Dairy Farm and Creamery Tour
Pelican Brewing
Day 1 · A Coastal Craft Brewery Tasting Room
Short Sand Beach Trail
Day 2 · Hiking and Nature Trails
Tillamook
Tillamook Bay cruise
Day 7 · A Secluded Coastal Boat Cruise
Pick travel dates to see the weather for your month.
Cannon Beach stays cool and misty for most of the year, with a reliable coastal breeze that makes a thick sweater essential even in summer. Plan for gray skies and frequent showers during the darker months, as the sun only makes consistent appearances in the heart of summer.
Best time to go: July through September
The whole year
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sunrise – sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F / 11°C | 39°F / 4°C (cold) | 16 | 7:53 AM – 4:57 PM |
| Feb | 52°F / 11°C | 37°F / 3°C (cold) | 16 | 7:18 AM – 5:42 PM |
| Mar | 54°F / 12°C | 38°F / 4°C (cold) | 16 | 7:28 AM – 7:21 PM |
| Apr | 57°F / 14°C | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 14 | 6:29 AM – 8:02 PM |
| May | 61°F / 16°C | 46°F / 8°C (cold) | 9 | 5:44 AM – 8:41 PM |
| Jun | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 10°C | 7 | 5:25 AM – 9:07 PM |
| Jul | 67°F / 20°C | 52°F / 11°C | 2 | 5:40 AM – 9:02 PM |
| Aug | 69°F / 20°C | 52°F / 11°C | 2 | 6:16 AM – 8:23 PM |
| Sep | 68°F / 20°C | 49°F / 9°C | 8 | 6:54 AM – 7:26 PM |
| Oct | 63°F / 17°C | 44°F / 7°C (cold) | 13 | 7:33 AM – 6:29 PM |
| Nov | 56°F / 13°C | 41°F / 5°C (cold) | 16 | 7:16 AM – 4:43 PM |
| Dec | 51°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C (cold) | 18 | 7:51 AM – 4:31 PM |
- Morning
8:00 AM - Drive from Portland to Cannon Beach· 1 hr 30 min
USD 25Drive from your starting point in Portland to the Oregon Coast, taking in the transition from forest to coastline.
- Afternoon
1:00 PM - Lunch: Wild-Caught Pacific Salmon in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 30Iconic dish
Vee Satayamas from Bangkok, Thailand (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a fresh plank-grilled salmon dish that highlights the region's culinary focus on local seafood.
Typical USD 22-40
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Dungeness Crab in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 40Iconic dish
Missvain (CC BY 4.0)Indulge in locally harvested, simply prepared Dungeness crab for an authentic taste of the Oregon Coast.
Typical USD 18-45
Where to Stay Tonight
Midtown
· This area is centrally located between the scenic hiking trails of the north and the beach access of the south, making it the perfect home base.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Razor Clam in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 22Try the dish
Fumikas Sagisavas (CC0)Savor locally harvested razor clams, pan-fried to a golden crisp at a casual seaside eatery.
Typical USD 15-28
- 2B
2:00 PM - Cannon Beach Gallery· 1 hr 30 min
FREECloses 4 PM · 2h hereDoubles back across the city — check the order - Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Oyster in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 24Enjoy fresh, briny Pacific oysters harvested from nearby bays, served chilled on the half shell.
Typical USD 12-24
Staying at Midtown since Day 1
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Tillamook Cheese Curd in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 15Try the dish
Photo by Anna Shvets on PexelsSavor squeaky, fresh cheese curds paired with a locally sourced garden salad from the creamery cafe.
Typical USD 4-9
- 3B
2:00 PM - Cape Meares Lighthouse· 2 hrs
USD 5Closes 4 PM · 2h hereDoubles back across the city — check the order - Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Wild-Caught Pacific Salmon in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 30Iconic dishVee Satayamas from Bangkok, Thailand (CC BY 2.0)Enjoy a fresh, pan-seared fillet of locally sourced salmon at a casual waterfront dining spot.
Typical USD 22-40
Staying at Midtown since Day 1
- Morning4A
10:00 AM - Cannon Beach Historical Center and Museum· 1 hr 30 min
FREEClosed on Monday, Tuesday, Sunday - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Fish and Chips in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 22Try the dish
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on PexelsFish and ChipsEnjoy fresh, local rockfish battered and fried to order in the heart of town.
- 4B
1:30 PM - Tillamook Rock Lighthouse viewpoint· 1 hr
FREEDoubles back across the city — check the order 3:30 PM - Snack: Marionberry Pie in Cannon Beach· 45 min
USD 10Iconic dish
ozmafan (CC BY 2.0)Sample a slice of warm Oregon marionberry pie at a local bakery.
Typical USD 6-12
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Cedar Plank Salmon in Cannon Beach· 1 hr
USD 35Try the dish
Sharon Chen from Austin, United States (CC BY 2.0)Cedar Plank SalmonSavor locally caught salmon grilled on a cedar plank at an oceanfront eatery.
Staying at Midtown since Day 1
🛣️Interesting Detours for your Road Trip
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Clam Chowder in Manzanita· 1 hr
USD 18Try the dish
Jon SullivanThe original uploader was Y6y6y6 at English Wikipedia. (Public domain)Clam ChowderEnjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder near the coastline of this quiet beach town en route to Tillamook.
1:30 PM - Drive from Cannon Beach to Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 25Scenic 57-minute drive along the Oregon Coast Highway toward the dairy heartland of Tillamook.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Fried Oysters in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 22Fried OystersSavor locally harvested oysters prepared crispy in a casual setting near the Tillamook Bay.
Where to Stay Tonight
Tillamook
· Central location providing easy access to both the coastal trailheads and the inland dairy farming region.- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Tillamook Cheeseburger in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 18Tillamook CheeseburgerEnjoy a fresh, local beef burger topped with aged cheddar at a casual downtown grill.
- Evening
7:30 PM - Dinner: Marionberry Cobbler in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 12Marionberry CobblerEnd the day with a warm dessert featuring Oregon's famous local berries at a cozy town bistro.
Where to Stay Tonight
Tillamook City Center
· Provides easy access to coastal trailheads and the local culinary district while keeping driving times low.- Morning7A
9:00 AM - Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge observation area· 2 hrs
FREEVisit the viewpoint in Oceanside to observe the majestic Three Arch Rocks, a protected sanctuary for seabirds and sea lions, providing excellent photographic opportunities.
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Clam Chowder in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 18Try the dishJon SullivanThe original uploader was Y6y6y6 at English Wikipedia. (Public domain)Clam ChowderSavor a bowl of creamy local chowder made with razor clams at a waterfront cafe overlooking the bay.
- 7B
1:30 PM - Tillamook County Pioneer Museum· 1 hr 30 min
USD 10
Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives (Attribution)Explore the history of the region through extensive exhibits on logging, homesteading, and the rich cultural legacy of the Oregon coast.
3:30 PM - Tillamook Bay cruise· 2 hrs
USD 45Board a boat for a guided nature cruise around the estuary to spot harbor seals and local waterfowl.
- Evening
7:00 PM - Dinner: Fish and Chips in Tillamook· 1 hr
USD 22Try the dishPhoto by Valeria Boltneva on PexelsFish and ChipsEnjoy fresh-caught battered whitefish served with crisp fries at a classic seaside spot.
8:00 PM - Drive back to Portland· 2 hrs
FREEEnd the trip with the drive back from the coast, allowing time for traffic and a scenic pace.
Staying at Tillamook City Center since Day 6
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Customize this tripFreeFood, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Oregon
Marionberry Pie
Day 4
Cannon Beach
Dungeness Crab
Day 1 · dinner
Wild-Caught Pacific Salmon
Days 1 and 3
Razor Clam
Day 2 · lunch
Oyster
Day 2 · dinner
Harvested from nearby bays like Netarts or Tillamook, these are briny and creamy. Eat them raw on the half shell with just a drop of lemon or hot sauce.
Tillamook
Tillamook Cheese Curd
Day 3 · lunch
Where to eat · Downtown, Midtown
Good to know · meal times, tipping, water, vegetarian, payment, etiquette
- Meal times
- Lunch starts at 11am. Dinner service finishes early, usually by 8:30pm. Reservations are essential on summer weekends.
- Tipping
- Tip 18 to 20 percent for good service. Many local spots include a small service charge for large groups.
- Water
- Tap water is safe and crisp here. Carry a reusable bottle to minimize plastic waste on the trails.
- Vegetarian
- Pacific Northwest menus are very accommodating. Most spots clearly mark gluten-free options and can swap sides for fresh local produce.
- Payment
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep small cash for farm stands or quick coffee stops.
- Etiquette
- Expect a casual atmosphere where fleece jackets are acceptable even in nice dining rooms. Pace is slow, so enjoy the view.
Top 6 souvenirs
Tap any photo for more photos, the story, and where to find it.
Small-batch hazelnut butter
Hand-blown glass float
Oregon sea salt
Handmade ceramic mug
Northwest landscape print
Weathered driftwood sculpture
Locals turn pieces of storm-worn cedar into art rather than letting it rot.
Where to shop · Downtown, Midtown
Good to know · customs, tax refund, payment, bargaining
- Customs
- Most goods are duty-free. Do not bring back raw agricultural products like fruits or untreated seeds.
- Tax refund
- There is no sales tax in Oregon, so there are no tax refunds to claim.
- Payment
- Credit cards are standard everywhere, even for small shop purchases.
- Bargaining
- Prices are fixed in all shops and galleries; do not haggle here.
The big events across the year
Tap any photo for more photos and the story.
Super Bowl
February
NYC Pride March
June
Independence Day
Jul 4
Thanksgiving
Nov 26 – 29
Christmas
Dec 25
Costs
Estimated total · For 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days
USD 2,778Flights from your city not included.
Getting there and betweenUSD 6
- Cannon Beach → Tillamook · drive1 carUSD 6
AccommodationUSD 1,080
- Cannon Beach · 4 nights1 roomUSD 720
- Tillamook · 2 nights1 roomUSD 360
| City | Simple | Comfortable | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon Beach | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
| Tillamook | USD 120 | USD 180 | USD 240 |
ActivitiesUSD 390
- Day 1 · Ecola State ParkUSD 10
- Day 1 · Pelican BrewingUSD 50
- Day 2 · Short Sand Beach TrailUSD 10
- Day 3 · Tillamook CreameryUSD 50
- Day 3 · Cape Meares LighthouseUSD 10
- Day 3 · Blue Heron French Cheese CompanyUSD 20
- Day 4 · Snack: Marionberry Pie in Cannon BeachUSD 20
- Day 4 · Public Coast Brewing CoUSD 60
- Day 5 · Oswald West State ParkUSD 10
- Day 6 · Tillamook Air MuseumUSD 30
- Day 6 · Cape Lookout State ParkUSD 10
- Day 7 · Tillamook County Pioneer MuseumUSD 20
- Day 7 · Tillamook Bay cruiseUSD 90
FoodUSD 1,050
- Cannon Beach · 4 daysUSD 600
- Tillamook · 3 daysUSD 450
Local transportUSD 252
- Cannon Beach · 4 daysUSD 144
- Tillamook · 3 daysUSD 108
Not included: visas, travel insurance, SIM cards, tips, shopping.
Money tips
Moderate to expensive -- expect to pay $150-250 per night for a cabin near the coast and $20-30 for casual lunch. Tap water is perfectly safe here; avoid plastic bottles and refill your own at the numerous stations in Ecola State Park.
Skip the pricy downtown dinner spots and grab a $15 bowl of clam chowder at Mo's Seafood & Chowder in the historic area. It is a local staple that keeps your daily food spend well under the $44 per day target.
The Oregon State Parks pass is a waste if you only hit Ecola or Oswald West; just pay the $5 daily entry fee at the gate. You will save $15 over the course of your week.
Book a guided tide pool tour at Haystack Rock during low tide for about $50 to see protected sea stars and anemones. It provides context you simply cannot get by wandering alone on the sand.
Gas up your rental in Astoria or Tillamook before arriving, as coastal fuel prices inside Cannon Beach often spike by $0.50 per gallon. Keep your car parked and walk the beach paths to save on the high $10 hourly parking rates near the monolith.
Before you go
Travel and stays
Rental car from Cannon Beach
Day 1–7 · pick up and return in Cannon Beach
Hotel in Cannon Beach
Nights 1–4 · Midtown · about USD 720 · Comfortable hotel range
Hotel in Tillamook
Nights 5–6 · Tillamook · about USD 360 · Comfortable hotel range
Book ahead · most urgent first
Tillamook Creamery guided tour
Day 3 · Book 4 weeks ahead · While the facility is self-guided, special group tours or tasting experiences often reach capacity during peak weekend hours.
Pelican Brewing Cannon Beach reservation
Day 1 · Book 2 weeks ahead · This location is extremely popular. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times at the door.
Public Coast Brewing Co dinner reservation
Day 4 · Book 7 days ahead · As a popular local brewery, seating for groups or prime time dining slots fill up quickly, especially during the summer season.
Ecola State Park entry parking permit
Day 1 · Book 3 days ahead · Ecola State Park requires an Oregon State Parks day-use parking permit. During peak tourist season, parking lots reach capacity early; arrive before 9am or reserve if local mandates require it.
Cape Lookout State Park vehicle day-use pass
Day 6 · Book 2 days ahead · Although mostly walk-up, during peak season weekends, the parking areas can fill by mid-morning. Ensure you have the Oregon State Parks day-use permit pre-purchased if digital options are available.
Travel tips
At Ecola State Park on day 1, arrive before mid-morning to secure a parking spot as the lot fills rapidly on sunny days.
When visiting Haystack Rock, check the tide charts; the rock is only accessible by foot during extreme low tide, and disturbing protected tide pool life is strictly prohibited.
The Short Sand Beach Trail in Oswald West State Park is very popular with surfers; park along Highway 101 only in designated pullouts to avoid fines.
At Hug Point, watch the tide closely as the incoming water can trap visitors behind the headland cliffs near the sea caves.
At the Tillamook Creamery on day 3, the viewing gallery is busiest around midday; arrive early to see the production lines in action without the crowds.
Gas stations are infrequent along the stretch between Cannon Beach and Tillamook; keep your tank topped up using the GasBuddy app before heading out on highway legs.
While ride-hailing exists in Cannon Beach, availability is inconsistent; ensure you have a local taxi company number saved for emergency transport needs.
Be aware of the sneaker wave phenomenon on the coast; always keep a significant distance from the water line on wide beaches.
On the road
Fill up your fuel tank in Cannon Beach as gas stations are scarce along the winding coastal stretch of US-101 until reaching Tillamook.
Be prepared for thick fog along the high elevation sections of US-101 near Oswald West State Park; reduce speed and use low-beam headlights.
Cell service is extremely unreliable through the coastal forest sections between Arch Cape and Wheeler; download offline maps before departing.
Parking at popular viewpoints like Cape Meares fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive before mid-morning to secure a spot.
Check for seasonal mountain pass or road closures if traveling during winter months, as heavy storms can impact coastal visibility and road safety.
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get USD cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for United States
Ecola State Park day-use permit
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
Cannon Beach anchors the first four days to ensure you hit the Haystack Rock and coastal trails while your energy levels are high. The move south to Tillamook on day five acts as a natural reset, shifting the focus from rugged beach walking to inland agricultural traditions and quiet lighthouses. By front-loading the primary coastal sights, you gain the freedom to spend the final days exploring the quieter northern coast at a slower, more deliberate pace.
This trip prioritizes the geography of the North Oregon Coast and local food production. You skip the high-altitude trails of the Cascade Range and the intense urban energy of Portland, leaving those for a separate trip focused on mountains and city life. This is the right fit if you came for the intersection of sea stacks and artisan cheese; the wrong one if you are seeking high-intensity alpine hiking or a dense metropolitan experience.
Add two days to explore Astoria at the far north end of the coast. Spend your time climbing the Astoria Column for sweeping river views and visiting the maritime museum to understand the history of this dangerous, shifting river bar.
Interest coverage
3 of 3 coveredEntry and safety
| Visa & entry | US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens usually enter via the ESTA visa waiver program for up to 90 days. Indian citizens require a B1/B2 visa obtained at a US Embassy. All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure. |
|---|---|
| Official advice | US State Department · UK Foreign Office |
| Emergency | Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911911 for all emergencies. Text-to-911 available in many areas. |
Money and tipping
| Tipping: restaurants | 18–20% (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Tipping: taxis | 15–20% |
| Tipping: hotels | $2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping |
| Cards | Universally accepted |
| Contactless | Common but not universal |
| Cash | Cash accepted but cards preferred everywhere |
| Payment tip | Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available. |
Plugs
| Plugs | Type A, B120V · 60Hz |
|---|
Staying connected
| SIM | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | $5 to $26 for 7 to 30 days | Airalo app |
| T-Mobile physical SIM | $30 to $50 for 30 days | Any T-Mobile retail store |
Roaming charges are very high. Buy a local eSIM or prepaid SIM immediately.
About USD 2,778 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.
Most international visitors require a visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the country. Check the official Department of State website for your specific requirements. Policies differ based on your citizenship and length of stay, so verify these details months before your trip.
Renting a car is the most practical choice, as the drive takes about 90 minutes via Highway 26. While shuttle services exist, having your own vehicle makes visiting nearby state parks much easier. Public transit options from the airport are limited and will significantly increase your travel time.
Cannon Beach is generally safe, but exercise caution near the shoreline after dark. Incoming tides can trap you against rock formations, and the Pacific Ocean conditions change rapidly. Always check the tide tables before you head out to the sand.
Standard practice for restaurant service in the United States is 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill. Tips are expected, as they form a significant portion of service workers' income. If you buy a quick coffee or carryout meal, a smaller tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Bring layers, regardless of the season. Even in summer, coastal winds keep temperatures cool, and rain showers happen without warning. Pack a reliable waterproof shell, comfortable walking shoes for sandy terrain, and a warm fleece for sunrise beach walks.
Late spring and early fall offer the mildest weather and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. If you want to avoid the heaviest rain, aim for July or August. Winter visits are quiet and moody, though expect frequent storms and limited daylight.
Once you arrive, the downtown area is very walkable. The Sunset Empire Transportation District operates the Blue Starfish bus route if you need to travel to other points in town. However, a car is necessary if you plan to explore the surrounding state parks or neighboring coastal towns.
The United States uses the U.S. Dollar. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, so you rarely need to carry much cash. Keep a few small bills on hand for parking meters or local farmers markets that might not process electronic payments.
This experience didn't make it into this itinerary
A Local Produce and Artisan Market
e.g., Cannon Beach Farmers Market, Astoria Sunday Market
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