Cannon Beach

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Oregon: Cannon Beach

A travel journal to Cannon Beach by kylebarber

Seagulls landing on the patioMore Photos

All about what makes Cannon Beach one of my favorite places on Earth.

  • 6 reviews
  • 5 photos

Oregon: Cannon BeachBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Ecola State Park
My father grew up in this town, and when we were kids he frequently took us down to this popular seaside community. Cannon Beach has grown along with its popularity, but still remains a somewhat sleepy little town full of charm. I particularly enjoy visiting during the off-season, since not nearly as many tourists are around and you can enjoy the natural splendors of Ecola State Park in peace and quiet. Then again, you have to contend with the winter's non-stop rain...

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Biking around the Cannon Beach and Tolovana area is ideal in the summer months, but a car is pretty much requisite in the winter months. A car is also recommended for most folks who wish to visit Ecola State Park, though the difficult and hilly bike trip there is beautiful.

Tolovana InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Seagulls landing on the patio
This older hotel still is my favorite place to stay in town, as many of the rooms open up just steps from the beach. You can crack your window or patio door open at night and listen to the roaring waves as you fall asleep. The rooms with patios are ideal for feeding the rather brave seagulls who swoop down for snacks.

A number of the rooms are actually suites with kitchen areas and a dining table. I never prepare meals, however, as the restaurant located in the hotel complex, Mo's, is one of the best in the area. There is also a heated swimming pool and game area for the kids.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on January 2, 2001

Tolovana Inn
P.O. Box 165 Cannon Beach, Oregon 97145
(503) 436-2211

Mo's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Mo's"

Mo's has great seafood, and an even better view of the water. Most of the restaurant faces the shore, providing a spectacular dining environment during the day and a romantic scene at night. You wouldn't exactly call Mo's a romantic restaurant, however. The food is simple and straightforward, the service friendly and efficient. No frills in decor, just a hearty meal served up in a hurry.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on January 2, 2001

Mo's Restaurant
3400 S Hemlock St Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110
(503) 436-1111

Cannon Beach BakeryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Restaurants and stores come and go in the popular town of Cannon Beach, but the Cannon Beach Bakery is the closest thing to a permanent fixture here and for god reason. Their products are consistently good year after year and always affordable, unlike the trendy upstarts that peter out after a few seasons. The fabulous Haystack bread is shaped like the famous Haystack Rock that looms over the small beach community. Its tough and chewy crust hides a very soft interior. And the desserts will ruin you! I come in each morning while I'm in town and justify that their maple bars ought to count as a "light breakfast."
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on January 2, 2001

Cannon Beach Bakery
144 North Hemlock Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110
(503) 436-0399

Haystack RockBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Haystack Rock in the background
This amazing hunk of rock sits just off the shoreline between Cannon Beach and Tolovana, towering 235 feet in the air. It's so tall you can see for miles up and down the coast, and it features prominently it local artwork and even the shape of the bread served at the town's bakery. Of course the main reason for visiting Cannon Beach is to enjoy the seashore, so invariably you'll run across this behomoth. But for the most spectacular views try nearby Ecola State Park or stand at the foot of Haystock Rock and lean your head way back.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on January 2, 2001

Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach Cannon Beach, Oregon

Ecola State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Ecola State Park
This is my absolute favorite state park in the country. A lengthy and curvy drive through the thick forest leads you to two hilly overlooks, each with access to the beach below. The paths down the steep hillsides are easily navigable but can be quite muddy in the off-season.

The beach at Ecola State Park is much more dramatic than the sandy stretch from Tolovana to Cannon Beach. Waves come crashing hard upon the shore and the steep cliffs loom above the relatively thin strip of beach. Surfers congregate at the Indian Beach turnoff, but the casual visitor will also enjoy the panormic views of the never ending ocean.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on January 2, 2001

Ecola State Park
Highway 101 Cannon Beach, Oregon

About the Writer

kylebarber
kylebarber
Seattle, Washington

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.