Cannon Beach, Oregon

List with Go Northwest!

Cannon Beach, well known for its popular art colony, is a delightful town of nooks and crannies, inviting paths, garden courtyards and laid-back, unobtrusive commercial enterprises, all of which seem to feature a decor of weathered cedar.

Cannon Beach is a magnet for artists, photographers and wildlife artists, and captivates visitors with its hometown ambiance and spectacular scenery. Located 80 miles northwest of Portland, the town supports a thriving artist community. Visitors from all over the world make the trek to this seaside town to enjoy its many attractions and seasonal activities.

A favorite Oregon Coast getaway destination, this scenic town offers a broad choice of dining opportunities and many choices for lodging including bed and breakfast accommodations, cabins, beach cottages, hotels and motels, vacation rental properties and campgrounds.

History is a large part of this town's identity, as its name suggests. Originally called Ecola, the town was renamed Cannon Beach following the sinking of the US survey schooner "The Shark" in 1846 and the discovery of the ship's cannon on the nearby shore. A plaque now commemorates the event.

On Clatsop Trail, hikers can relive another part of early history and trace the last steps of Lewis and Clark's westward expedition. Captain Clark's journal notes his first close-up encounter with a gray whale at what is now called "Whale Park."

Directly west of the town is the actual Cannon Beach, with its awe-inspiring rock monoliths and nine miles of sandy beaches. Noted as "one of the world's best beaches" by the Travel Channel, the coastline is home to the 235-ft. Haystack Rock, one of the largest monoliths of its kind in the world. Now considered a National Wildlife Refuge and Marine Garden, the rock is a breeding area for the tufted puffin and territory to a wide range of birds and sea life. It is also one of the most photographed natural sites in Oregon, a testament to the draw of Oregon's natural beauty.

More Oregon region
maps

Click here to see a
map of the Oregon Coast

Go Northwest! Bookstore
Best selection of books on the Northwest.
Click here!

Cannon Beach: The Art, Cuisine, History and Atmosphere of Oregon's Favorite Coastal Village Cannon Beach: The Art, Cuisine, History and Atmosphere of Oregon's Favorite Coastal Village by Adam Carlsen and Donald Masterson. Order now...

Moon Coastal Oregon, 4th Edition Moon Coastal Oregon, 4th Edition by W. C. McRae and Judy Jewell. Oregon residents and outdoor enthusiasts share their knowledge of the Oregon coast, everything from the best places to grab a seaside snack to hiking the Coastal Trail. This guide is loaded with information on surfing, dining, accommodations and activities for a range of travel budgets. Order now...

Insiders' Guide to the Oregon Coast Insiders' Guide to the Oregon Coast, 4th by Lizann Dunegan. This guide offers the most comprehensive information on what's happening along the more stretch of shoreline that comprises the Oregon Coast. From fishing villages to charming resort towns, discover the region's natural beauty, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. Order now...

Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast Lighthouses of the Pacific Coast: Your Guide to the Lighthouses of California, Oregon, and Washington (A Pictorial Discovery Guide) by Randy Leffingwell. Along with the history of the lighthouses' development and service, the book also delves into their technological evolution, with special attention to the architecture, lights, lenses, and the movement to preserve and restore them. Order now...

We appreciate your orders. They help keep
Go Northwest! online.

Northwest Books
from . . .

Shopping at
Go Northwest!