Saturday, June 18, 2016

Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, 6/15/2016

Today we arrived at our new home for the next week, Cannon Beach, OR. We have met lots of folks in our travels who have told us of the beauty of the Oregon coast. After we got hooked up at our site and had dinner, we drove the short distance to public parking and found a beach access point. Cannon Beach is a lovely coastal town with picturesque homes, resorts, art galleries, restaurants, and more.


The broad, sandy beach is just beautiful, particularly late in the day. 



All of the beaches in Oregon are dog-friendly, which is fantastic! Sadie met lots of new friends during our walk.


Furthermore, the coastline cannot be "owned" by an individual or private enterprise. There are, however, many resort properties and rental homes here.


There is a rock about a mile out to see where we could see a lighthouse. We subsequently learned that it is the well-known Tillamook Rock Lighthouse located in strategic location to warn ships of the treacherous coastline here. It opened in 1880 and was decommissioned in 1957.


The prominent feature at Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock. It is one of the most popular attractions along the Oregon coast. Rising 235' above sea level, it is a striking site to behold!


We walked south on Cannon Beach to get a closer look at this amazing geological feature. Haystack Rock has been designated a Marine Garden providing protection for the endangered habitat for all living things on and around the rock. No climbing is permitted. We saw many birds flying around Haystack and nesting on its cliffs. 



Sunset over the Pacific Ocean is always a beautiful sight to behold!


We will be back during low tide to see the tide pools and intertidal animals that live in them. And to do some birdwatching as well. Extreme caution is recommended for those interested in swimming in the water here. Wetsuits are recommended and small children can easily be swept out to sea by strong rip tides. Sneaker waves appear randomly so it is advised to never turn your back to the ocean! 


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