Cannon Beach derived its name from a cannon set adrift when the U.S. Schooner Shark was wrecked near Tillamook Head in September, 1846. The cannon drifted with the currents to the shores of Arch Cape. In 1898, one of the early settlers in the area, John Gerritse, a sailor whose relatives built ships in Holland, hauled the cannon out of the ocean with his team of horses and the help of a friend, James Austin. It was set in cement as a landmark on the Rudolph Kissling place, where it remained until it was moved across the highway to provide a better focus for visitors. In 1953, two cannons, made to resemble the original, were placed at each entrance of the community. On December 9, 1955, Cannon Beach was incorporated as a city.

HAYSTACK ROCK is Cannon Beach's most famous attraction. This mammoth basalt formation, rises 235 above the shore. When it is low tide, it exposes a wonderland of tide pools, and sea-life.

HUG POINT RECREATION SITE - Caves carved out by the ocean, a cascading waterfall with a man-made road around the point, are just a few highlights of the Hug Point beaches. Just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach.

TOLOVANA WAYSIDE - 1 mile south of Cannon Beach downtown area. Park in a large parking lot, and north to Haystack Rock, or south to Silver Point.

ARCADIA BEACH - About 3 miles south of Cannon Beach, take a right off Highway 101. This beautiful sandy beach is a nice, quiet relaxing location to take a break at.

INDIAN BEACH - Located on the far north end of Cannon Beach, past Ecola State Park, to reach this beautiful cove beach. It is a popular place for surfers and kayakers. Well worth the 3 to 4 miles drive from the base of the park.

CRESCENT BEACH - This beach is off the beaten path. It is accessible only at low tide, by walking around the point at North Beach, just below the Breaker's Point condominiums, or test your endurance by accessing a trail from the Ecola State Park Road. You must walk up the road to access the trail, no parking is available on the road itself.

ECOLA STATE PARK - Access is on the north end of Cannon Beach. A winding two lane road cuts through Sitka and Hemlock for approximately 2 miles, before opening up at the top. This park has some of the most breathtaking views on the Oregon Coast. A year-round fee of $3.00 applies for day use.

OSWALD WEST STATE PARK - This popular surfing spot is 10 miles south of Cannon Beach off Highway 101. Visitors must park in one of two parking lots, and walk through the forest for 3/4 of a mile to reach the beach called Short Sands.
 

Cannon Beach Directory

Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
207 N. Spruce Street * Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Phone: (503) 436-0434
web site: http://www.CannonBeach.org/ 

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