Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach  is a scenic outpost on the Northern Oregon Coast, an artsy tourist destination in comparison to the more traditional beachside attractions of the larger city of Seaside to the north. This 2.3 mile walk will take you through the northern part of town, and of course half the walk will be on the beautiful beach itself. And part of the other half, which takes you through the streets of town, will walk along an ocean-side lane. The walk is entirely on flat terrain.

The walk begins at the corner of Hemlock Street and Sunset Avenue. Street parking is a bit easier to find in Cannon Beach on a busy day here than in the most northern part of the town. There is a public parking lot next to the city hall three short blocks north of here. There is also a public restroom on the seaward side of Hemlock Street. At Hemlock and Sunset, look for this pedestrian pathway that leads to Pacific Street, right next to the entrance to the Hallmark Resort with its corny mariner statue out front.

When reaching Pacific Street, turn right. Go one block until you see this beach access point on the left. Take it, and you will arrive at Cannon Beach's beach.

The next part of this walk consists of about a mile's journey north on the beach. To your south, on the left, is Cannon Beach's most famous landmark, Haystack Rock. At low low tide the area between the rock and the sand is accessible for excellent tidepool viewing (make sure you have decent shoes or sandals for scampering on the rocks). Also to the south, toward land, is Haystack Hill, rising above the Hallmark resort. Haystack Hill is a state park, donated by Portland magnate John Yeon, but undeveloped except for a hiking trail to the top (no views though, because of the trees).

Turn right and go north along the beach. On a summer's day you will see lots of other beachgoers (at least a lot by Oregon standards). Dip your feet in the water if you want, but it will be COLD! And be careful if getting into any ocean depth beyond your feet - the Pacific has been known for "sneaker waves" and other dangers to beachgoers.

Eventually, you will reach the mouth of Ecola Creek. It's possible to make a crossing on your feet at low tide (and low creek flow), but the walk stays on this side of the creek. Proceed up along the creek until you see this beach access point to your right. Follow the access trail up the mild slope.

At the top of the slope is this small park area, known as Whale Park, with a playful whale sculpture and a covered rest spot. Enjoy the view of the beach and Ecola Creek, and perhaps some horse riders on the beach beyond the creek. The whale sculpture is here because this is believed to be the spot where members of the Lewis and Clark expedition watched Native Americans butcher a whale carcass in 1804.

After the leaving the small park area, continue right on Hemlock Street, which is Cannon Beach's seaside commercial street. One of the first buildings you will see on the right is the Natatorium, constructed in 1924, and originally housing a heated salt water pool and bathhouse.

Continuing along Hemlock, to the right on the next block is Bruce's Candy Kitchen, at this location since 1944. It is very popular for its home-made confections. Hemlock Street contains many other eateries and tourist destinations to browse through, including many art galleries.

After a couple more blocks, also on the right, is the Coaster Theater, host to live theater events year-round. However the building housing the theater originally was occupied by the Wave Roller Rink, constructed in 1945.

Continue two blocks on Hemlock, and the street begins to curve toward the ocean and go up a short rise in terrain. On the left at Hemlock and Washington is the Cannon Beach Community Church. The church's pretty building with its bell tower were built in 1931. For over 80 years the church was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA, but in 2012 switched its allegiance to the Evangelical Covenant Church. The switch was made by a number of Presbyterian congregations in response to a more "progressive" national church stance on issues such as homosexuality.

At Washington Street turn right and go one block to Ocean Avenue, then turn left. This street is a "frontage road" to the beach, with homes on the left. It switches from pavement, to dirt, and eventually in one short stretch to this narrow pedestrian pathway. Enjoy the stunning views of Haystack Rock, and think enviously of the property owners with homes along this stretch of the roadway/pathway. And also note that the sand area beyond the road is undeveloped and not closed off to the public - this is the result of Oregon's landmark beach access law from the 1960's, and this Oregon Supreme Court decision that resurrected the ancient common law of custom to justify the  preservation of Oregon's dry sand beach areas from enclosure by private property owners.

After six blocks of walking along Ocean Avenue in its various permutations, turn left on Van Buren Street. Walk two long blocks along this street, crossing Hemlock Street. This pretty little house is typical of the eclectic mix of homes along the "presidential" streets in Cannon Beach.

At Spruce Street, turn right. Go two blocks to Gower Avenue, which has a center divider, and turn right. After a short distance you will see a sign for a pedestrian pathway to the left - take this route and walk along the pedestrian path through the woods for a block. Spruce Avenue then starts up again - cross Dawes Avenue and continue one block to Sunset Avenue.

At the corner of Spruce and Dawes to the right is this funky and charming A-frame dwelling. Cannon Beach has quite a mixture of beach houses.

At the corner of Sunset and Dawes to the left is the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The museum also runs a nice little gift shop. At Sunset Avenue, turn right and go one block back to Spruce Street, where the walk started.