Haystack Rock is a 72-metre basalt monolith rising directly from the surf at the south end of Cannon Beach. It is one of the most photographed features on the Oregon coast — visible from miles in either direction, accessible on foot at low tide, and surrounded by tidal pools that are among the richest marine life zones on the Pacific coast. Starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs, mussels, chitons, and the occasional octopus populate the rocks around its base.
At low tide you can walk right up to the base of the rock. The Oregon Coast Aquarium operates an informal volunteer program at Haystack Rock during summer months, with naturalists on site to explain the marine life in the pools. The rock itself is a protected wildlife refuge — climbing it is prohibited, and the tidepools within 100 feet are a marine garden protected by state law. Bring a tide chart; the pools are most accessible in the two hours around low tide.