Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach Oregon during sunset with reflections on wet sand and people walking along the shoreline.

    Cannon Beach at sunset with Haystack Rock reflected on wet sand, Oregon coast, USA.

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    Cannon Beach

    Beach

    Cannon Beach is a wide sandy shoreline defined by prominent sea stacks, including Haystack Rock, positioned close to the waterline. The beach forms an open foreground with strong vertical elements rising from the ocean. The composition resolves through the relationship between the beach, sea stacks, and the surrounding coastline.

    45.88460, -123.96511

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    Gallery

    Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach Oregon during sunset with reflections on wet sand and people walking along the shoreline.

    Cannon Beach at sunset with Haystack Rock reflected on wet sand, Oregon coast, U…

    Haystack Rock sea stack at Cannon Beach Oregon at sunset with reflections on wet sand and flowing water patterns in the foreground.

    Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach during sunset with receding tide patterns across w…

    Aerial view of Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach Oregon during sunset with waves, shoreline, and coastal town along the Pacific Ocean.

    Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach coastline at sunset with waves moving across the …

    Foggy sunrise view from Ecola State Park Oregon showing offshore sea stacks, ocean waves, and distant Haystack Rock along the Pacific coastline.

    Sea stacks offshore from Ecola State Park with distant view toward Haystack Rock…

    View from Ecola State Park overlooking Cannon Beach Oregon with sea stacks, sandy shoreline, and distant Haystack Rock along the Pacific coast.

    Cannon Beach coastline viewed from Ecola State Park with sea stacks and distant …

    Aerial view of Cannon Beach Oregon showing sea stacks, sandy shoreline, and coastal town along the Pacific Ocean under overcast skies.

    Cannon Beach coastline with sea stacks and shoreline extending toward Haystack R…

    Haystack Rock and surrounding sea stacks silhouetted at sunset on Cannon Beach Oregon with colorful sky and shoreline.

    Haystack Rock at sunset with silhouetted sea stacks along Cannon Beach, Oregon C…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Roadside / Step-out

    0–5 min

    Elevation Gain

    5 m

    Best Light

    Golden Hour
    Sunset
    Overcast

    Low-angle light creates reflections on wet sand, while overcast conditions reduce contrast and simplify the scene around the sea stacks.

    Why This Light

    Reflections
    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer provides stable conditions with clear views of sea stacks and shoreline. In winter, changing weather introduces variation in light, cloud cover, and sea conditions.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Access is direct from town with multiple entry points onto the beach.

    Photography Notes

    Cannon Beach is photographed across a wide open shoreline rather than from a single point. Compositions typically use wet sand for reflections, with sea stacks positioned as vertical anchors. Movement along the beach controls spacing between stacks and how they align within the frame.
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