Cool Down at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler

Welcome to my first time on the Oregon Coast but most certainly not my last…

Checking off another travel box off the bucket list was visiting Portland, Oregon and driving out to the stunning Pacific Northwest Coast. Working with nearby Wilsonville, Oregon, I was connected with the friendly folks at Cannon Beach, Oregon and so happy it all came to fruition. With limited time and a pretty packed schedule, I was up and at ‘em, excited and ready to enjoy that salty air probably way too early Friday morning. What can I say, I love the beach! I also learned on the drive from Beaverton, Portland through the windy, picturesque trees that it was the warmest day it had been since 2005 so lucky me! The snow was melting and it seemed everyone had come out of the woodwork with similar plans to enjoy the sunshine. There is a rest stop halfway up the mountain on 26 West which was beautiful in its own right and offered a hiking trail if you really wanted to stretch your legs and forest bathe. The drive itself only takes an hour and a half with no traffic from the city but is uphill and twisted.

First things first, get the lay of the land at the Cannon Beach Information Center which is conveniently right across from public parking and more restrooms. Laura was an absolute gem and knew exactly the vibe I was looking for, outlined some highlights, gave me a tote bag and sent me on my merry way walking about this 3-mile beach town. My soul was longing to get my toes in the sand so straight to the nearest steps I went. You could smell the fresh sea and all the critters that make the saltwater alive in the air. A large stream ran into the ocean and dipping your feet in, it was ice cold and so refreshing. Lots of happy dogs ran around, playing in it effortlessly while I got my first view of Haystack Rock.

I was told by the Warsugai chef in Portland to check out Ecola Seafoods for lunch so I could taste the ocean and it did not disappoint. With plenty of options and seafood galore, just find your favorite and have ‘em fry it up for you. With ample places to sit inside, outside and on the second floor in the sunshine, you may just have leftovers for later (oh, shucks). For me, I was trying to fill the stomach tank for a fun in the sun day of beer tastings!

First stop was Bill’s Tavern and Brewhouse, which is the first brewery to exist on Cannon Beach. With $1.50 beer tastings each and a very reasonable food menu, you can stretch your dollar far here. I asked for all of the beer that aren’t IPAs which made it easy, peasy! The curious part about this building is the brewery is on the second floor which must be extremely structurally sound. The first floor is giving saloon vibes with its wooden interior and like most places, boasts live music.

Second stop was Pelican Brewing Company which in retrospect I realized I should have done last as it was closer to my hotel… but whatever, it’s beach time and there are no real rules. Warning: their beer flight is HUGE so prepare yourself! Pelican itself is also a grand building with outdoor seating, craft pub fare and has a pretty decent happy hour menu. Apparently the chowder is to die for and it’s more of a kid friendly space too. With four locations so far, we can see how it keeps growing with quality beer, food and ambiance.

I guess I was saving the best for last with the third beer crawl stop at Public Coast Brewing Co.! With a very bright exterior patio flanked with a cool, dark interior with deep red hues, my skin was opting for darkness at this point so I was happy to sit in the shade inside. I met the amazing Ron, born and raised in Cannon Beach, who runs this space and crafted me a flight where every sip was a flavor explosion in my mouth. He explained they hired a chef to create the beer and seems obviously brilliant now to heavily infuse each beer with farm-fresh flavors. This space I could have stayed, played and had dinner but the beach was calling me…

My hotel of choice was the Tolovana Inn because of its breathtaking views of Haystack Rock and the Oregon Coast. A good for a first timer starter location, it has the basics you need for a good overnight with pretty comfy beds but the real draw is the beauty of nature. If you book in the colder months, shoulder months or mid-week you can find the best deals online too! Coffee and tea are always available, the salt water pool and hot tub fill up fast with children and travelers so if you’re looking for meditation and solitude, the beach located steps away is where to go. Once I checked in and got settled in my third floor room, I lay down and took the juciest nap. I’m not sure what it is about the beach that allows your body to rest but it is magic!

Once awake and ready to explore the sunset, I was in awe for hours frolicking about the beach barefoot. Soon the smells of fishy sea turned to wafts of beach firepits with people wrapped in blankets and a beer in hand.

I was invigorated in the morning from all that grounding in nature so grabbed my two coffees to explore some more after checkout. There is a conveniently located grocery store across the street that boasts many organic ingredients and I enjoyed a super tasty burrito for breakfast. You can also grab grub for a picnic for the many picnic bench options 10 minutes north at Ecola State Park. Once you drive through those winding forest roads (giving Road to Hana vibes in Maui, Hawaii), you can pop out into parking areas for a day pass for $5 and hike your heart out. Or just drive around and explore lightly if you’re on a time crunch. Whatever you do, get there early as it gets packed with travelers and surfers alike!

After absorbing nature one last time at Ecola State Park, I headed even further north to Astoria, Oregon where The Goonies house still sits and wanted to keep exploring more. But alas, it was time to return the rental car and fly back to my home base of Phoenix, Arizona. Cannon Beach will certainly settle in your heart and soul, singing a siren song to come back. Looks like I’ll just have to return again maybe in the summer this time or better yet, a shoulder season like birthday in September vibes with some newfound friends to lead the way!