Cannon Beach...
|
|
Here is the small town atmosphere, a village by the sea. It's a place to get away from it all with luxurious resorts to the hide-aways.
Relax With Outdoor Activities
There's lot's of outdoor activites: stroll the beach, fly a kite, build a sand castle...or simply relax. We know, sometimes it's actually hard to relax and take the time to sit near a log and enjoy the natural beauty. But, while you're here at Cannon Beach, do just that...Relax! It's the perfect environment.Cannon Beach offers a lot of uniqueness in it's shops. Take a stroll through town. You'll pass some twenty art galleries, courtyards, a host of fine dining restaurants and other shops to meet your fancy.
Ecola State Park is just north of Cannon Beach, and wow!!! You have over 10 miles of coastal rainforest trails. These are neat, the kids love the trails, especially imagining Lewis and Clark walking along the same paths. This will give you a good idea of what the area looked like before it was settled.
At the park, you're atTillamook Head. From various vantage points you can see the migration of the gray whale. More than 20,000 pass by Cannon Beach each winter and spring. If you plan your visit to Cannon Beach in a timely fashion, you're sure to see some of these whales.
One of the exciting events at Cannon Beach for us is, Sandcastle Day. It's been hosted in Cannon Beach for some 40 years and draw a lot of excitement to the town as sand sculpture artists come from all over to participate. We are impressed everytime we see these sculpture artists at work...or I should say play.
If you plan of strolling the beach, just beware of the tides...we don't want anyone drifting out to sea or caught somewhere high on a rock surrounded by raging sea waves. Also, as you stroll the beach, you'll often find sand dollars and a variety of shells. Occasionally you'll find the old-fashioned glass floats. It's fun to look around. The kids love this, they will scour the beach for hours.
Cannon Beach most famous landmark is Haystack Rock. It protrudes 235 feet above the shoreline. This is a great place to explore the tide pools. Haystack Rock is a designated Marine Garden; therefore, do not take anything from the area and do not climb the rock!...even though it's tempting.
Use extreme caution while in this area, the tides are swift and and easily catch the unaware visitor.
Schedule of Events
March - Whale Watching. The whales are making their appearance as they migrate some 12,000 miles. There are plenty of volunteers around that can help you spot a whale and shed some valuable information.April - Beach Cleanup. Take part in this local festive event. There's lot's to clean after all of those winter storms.
Kite Festival. This is fun! If you haven't flown a kite in awhile, now is the time. Bring your kids for this one.!
May - Art Unveiling. Prominant artisits will introduce their latest works. I imagine they spend all winter working on their pieces anticipating the screening day.
June - Sandcastle Day. A day to remember. This temporary art (temporary because the water will wash it away) is spectular. You gotta see this!
July - July 4th. Need I say more...this is a festive activity enjoyed by everyone.
September - Beach Cleanup. If you missed the spring cleanup now you can take part in the fall cleanup. The trash from this cleanup is usually left from all of us visitors.
October - Dog Show. Yep, if you have a dog it's time to show 'em. There's a variety of events like: frisbee catch, biggest dog and owner look alike. There's room for everyone.
November - Stormy Weather Arts Festival - The artisits get to to display thier creativity again. There's the "Quick Draw", where artisits are given one-hour to draw. It's pretty amazing to watch their work unfold right before your eyes.
-Haystack Holidays. This is the kick off for the Holiday Season.
December - The whales are back, heading the oposite direction this time. A great time to watch and experience the winter storms too.
Where's the Cannon at Cannon Beach?
Where did that name ever come from? Was there a fort with cannons? Nope, here's the truth behind the name, Cannon Beach. In 1846 a Navy schooner, the Shark, literally broke apart while crossing the Columbia River bar. Parts of the ship washed ashore along the Oregon Coastline. A complete section of deck with a cannon washed ashore at the current location of Cannon Beach. That's how the name was derived.
Historical Walk
There are 25 historical locations you can visit making it a pleasant walk. When you get to town visit the History Center (1387 South Spruce) for a complete map. But here are some highlights to look forward to, we sure like them:Natatorium - It was in 1924 the Natatorium was the hub of Cannon Beach. Here you'd find the indoor heated saltwater swimming pool. This brought the crowd along with the movies and music machines that played in the evening times.
Hotel Bill - The original hotel was built from logs that washed ashore back in 1904. Bill George was the inspiration behind the event of gathering the logs and building the hotel. Even President Woodrow Wilson stopped by and signed the guest registry. Today the hotel is the Cannon Beach Conference Center.
Van Vleet Logging Headquarters - This company was the largest employer in Cannon Beach and operated from 1938-1964. They logged just east of Cannon Beach.
The Beach Hike
Here's couple of our favorite strolls along Cannon Beach. The kids like the hikes too; however, use some caution if they are small kids, you're likely to carry them for a stretch.Beginning at the Information Center, off of 2nd street, go to the beach and make a left heading South to Haystack Rock. It's about a mile walk to the Rock. After playing around Haystack Rock you can either head back to Cannon Beach or continue on down the beach another 3 miles or so to Humbug Point.
On your way to Humbug Point you'll pass Tolovana Beach and Silver Point. Just past Humbug Point is Hug Point. This stretch of beach, near Hug Point was an old wagon route to Arch Cape. The drivers of the wagons had to use extreme caution and watch the tides or else they'd find themselves floating out to sea.
And you too should use caution on your hike down the beach, watch the tides or you could be stuck for awhile on the otherside of Hug Point. Your total hike, one-way is about 5 miles so make sure you bring a day pack with water, food, first-aid kit...you know the essentials. We recommend that you leave in the morning, after all it's about a 10 mile round trip unless you make your way up to Highway 101 and catch a ride back to Cannon Beach.
Enjoy you stay at Cannon Beach, whatever time of year you visit.
We'd like to hear about your stay at Cannon Beach, please let us know.
Tips provided by Northwest Travel Tips.
Craig Dahl - Senior Editor & The Editorial Staff
Return to Northwest Travel Tips
