Haystack Rock: Most Iconic Sea Stack in Cannon Beach Oregon
Tauheed Ahmad Nawaz
Haystack Rock is a 235-foot sea stack in Cannon Beach, Oregon. It is sometimes claimed locally to be the third-tallest such intertidal structure in the world. But there are no official references to support this. More than merely a geographical feature, Haystack Rock represents the untamed beauty that characterizes the Oregon coast. Every visitor is enthralled by this place due to its majestic presence, diverse ecosystems, and captivating photography opportunities. Haystack Rock is located about 1.5 miles south of downtown Cannon Beach in Clatsop County and about 80 miles west of Portland.
A popular tourist destination is near the beach and accessible by foot at low tide. The tallest and probably best-known Haystack Rock stands 327 feet above the sea and is the fourth-tallest sea stack or offshore monolith in the world.
The monolithic rock tide pools are home to many intertidal (meaning they can be reached by land) animals, including starfish, sea anemones, chitons, crabs, limpets, and sea slugs. The rock is a favorite nesting site for many seabirds, including terns and puffins. Haystack Rock is one of the most identifiable geological formations of Oregon.
There are 6 other geographic features in Oregon named Haystack Rock, including two others along the Oregon Coast and others throughout the U.S. This magnificent place is accompanied by several smaller rocks known as “The Needles.” Follow the approved walkways, do not disturb the birds that are breeding, and do not gather or handle any marine species that are in the tidal pools. Because the rock and its surroundings are protected, your conscientious actions contribute to the preservation of this natural marvel for future generations.
This rock is composed of basalt, formed by lava flows emanating from the Blue Mountains and Columbia Basin about 15 million years ago. The lava flows formed numerous of the Oregon coast’s natural features, including Tillamook Head, Arch Cape, and Saddle Mountain. Haystack Rock was once joined to the coastline, but the passage of centuries of erosion has since separated the monolith from the coast.
The Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental education program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock.
In 1990, Haystack Rock was granted Marine Garden status; collecting plants or animals is strictly prohibited. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program is a volunteer association that conducts educational seminars at the rock during low tide between May and September. Climbing above the mean high tide level disturbs nesting birds and is not allowed.
At Rock, visitors can view several species of marine wildlife in there natural habitat during low tide. The thin strip of rock and sand that connects it to the beach features many tide pools. The area surrounding the rock is popular for picnicking, kite-flying, and bird-watching. Moreover, it is an ideal place for photographers to capture the majestic beauty of Haystack Rock on canvas or on film.
Many people each year become temporarily trapped on Haystack Rock when high tide engulfs the rock in water, necessitating rescue by the United States Coast Guard or local authorities. Oregon’s beaches are congested with tourists in the summer, making the beautiful beachfront within walking distance of Haystack Rock. When the weather is moderate and the tufted puffins are nesting, the spring and summer months of March through September are the ideal times to visit Haystack Rock.
The Rock is a 235-foot sea stack in Cannon Beach, Oregon. It is sometimes claimed locally to be the third-tallest such “intertidal” structure in the world, but there are no official references to support this.Haystack Rock is located about 1.5 miles south of downtown Cannon Beach in Clatsop County and about 80 miles west of Portland.The rock is a popular tourist destination that is nearby the beach and accessible by foot at low tide.The tallest and probably best-known Haystack Rock stands 327 feet above the sea and is the fourth-tallest sea stack or offshore monolith in the world.The monolithic rock tide pools are home to many intertidal (meaning it can be reached by land) animals, including starfish, sea anemone, Chitons, crabs, limpets, and sea slugs.The rock is a favorite nesting site for many seabirds, including terns and puffins. Haystack Rock is one of the most identifiable geological formations of Oregon.There are 6 other geographic features in Oregon named Haystack Rock, including two others along the Oregon Coast and others throughout the U.S. Haystack Rock is accompanied by several smaller rocks known as The Needles.Haystack is composed of basalt, formed by lava flows emanating from the Blue Mountains and Columbia basin about 15 million years ago.The Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) is a stewardship and environmental education program whose mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock.Haystack Rock was once joined to the coastline but with the passing of centuries, erosion has since separated the monolith from the coast.The lava flows formed numerous of the Oregon coast’s natural features, including Tillamook Head, Arch Cape, and Saddle Mountain.
