Hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon offer an excellent chance to explore this beautiful part of the northern Oregon Coast.
In fact, we think the rugged coastline, ocean views, and old growth forests make Cannon Beach hiking trails some of the best in the state.
In this article, we’ve gathered our local knowledge of hikes around Cannon Beach to help you plan your visit.
We’ll cover the 10 best hiking trails in Cannon Beach Oregon and within a 40-minute drive, including everything you need to know before you go.
Ready to explore? Grab your hiking gear and let’s discover the best hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon!
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Best Hikes Near Cannon Beach Oregon
There are lots of excellent hiking trails near Cannon Beach accessible via a short drive.
These hikes by Cannon Beach range in difficulty, from morning strolls to full day excursions.
Hiking in Cannon Beach Oregon lets you explore old growth forests, expansive ocean views, wildflower meadows, and some of the best beaches near Portland.
The table below shows our 10 favorite hiking trails Cannon Beach has to offer.
| Hike | Distance from Cannon Beach | Trail Length | Elevation Gain |
| Indian Beach Trail | 3 miles (11 minutes) | 4 miles | 850 ft |
| Cape Falcon Trail | 10 miles (13 minutes) | 4.5 miles | 600 ft |
| Crescent Beach Trail | 3 miles (11 minutes) | 2.5 miles | 550 ft |
| Saddle Mountain Trail | 22 miles (40 minutes) | 5 miles | 1,800 ft |
| Neahkahnie Mountain | 12 miles (16 minutes) | 3.5 miles | 1,050 ft |
| Short Sands Beach Trail | 10 miles (14 minutes) | 1.2 miles | < 100 ft |
| Hug Point Trail | 5 miles (8 minutes) | < 1 mile | < 100 ft |
| Elk Flats Trail | 11 miles (15 minutes) | 3 miles | 600 ft |
| Ecola State Park North Trailhead | 9 miles (15 minutes) | 5.5 miles | 1,200 ft |
| Old Growth Cedar Preserve | 27 miles (40 minutes) | 1 mile | < 100 ft |
With so many great Cannon Beach trails within a short drive, it can be hard to decide which ones are best for you! Let’s cover each of these epic hikes near Cannon Beach in the sections below.
Also, please stay tuned to the end of the article for more information about weather, parking permits, and other fun things to do near Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach Hiking Trails Map
Use this interactive map we made to plan your hiking Cannon Beach Oregon adventure. You can also expand it in a new window.
Indian Beach Trail
We have to start this list with one of the most iconic Cannon Beach hiking trails: the Indian Beach Trail at Ecola State Park.
Ecola State Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas on the Oregon Coast, and we have a few more hikes on this list as well.
The Indian Beach trail showcases the rugged and rocky coastline that Ecola State Park is famous for.
This 4 mile out-and-back trail connects the Indian Beach parking lot with the must-see Ecola State Park viewpoint, which means you can start at either end.
With a total elevation gain of 870 feet, the trail winds through beautiful forests of Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Western Hemlock.
You can hear the ocean waves almost the entire way and there are frequent stopping points to soak in the views.
Local tip: Leave some time to soak in the views from the Ecola State Park viewpoint, which is one of the best viewpoints on the Oregon Coast.
Keep in mind: A $5 day pass or an annual Oregon State Parks pass is required.
As with most Oregon Coast hiking trails, there can be a lot of mud in the winter. We’ll cover more about what to expect for weather at the end of this article.
Overall, this is hands down one of the best hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon. In fact, if you only have time for one, make it the Indian beach Trail!
Cape Falcon Trail
Just 10 minutes south of Cannon Beach, the Cape Falcon Trail deserves to be on everyone’s list of favorite hikes near Cannon Beach.
This 4.5 mile out-and-back trail showcases some of the best parts of the stunning Oswald West State Park.
Starting from the parking lot on Highway 101, hikers are granted incredible views of Short Sand Beach and the rugged cliffs surrounding Smuggler’s Cove.
In between viewpoints, enjoy the lush old growth ponderosa pine forests, with vibrant flora and clean creeks.
Local tip: Don’t skip a stroll on Short Sand Beach if you have the energy and time. The Cape Falcon Trail goes right by the main access point to this beautiful beach.
Keep in mind: This trail is known to get muddy with a bit of rain, so try to choose a dry day for this one.
All things considered, the Cape Falcon Trail has a great mix of forests, views, and beach and is definitely one of the best hikes near Cannon Beach.
Crescent Beach Trail
Let’s head back to Ecola State Park, but this time, we’ll hit the Crescent Beach Trail.
In fact, when you park at the main Ecola State Park viewpoint (you can’t miss it), go south to hike to Crescent Beach, instead of north on the Indian Beach Trail.
At just over 2 miles and under 600 feet of elevation gain, this is a great hike close to Cannon Beach that won’t take up your whole morning.
You will have to navigate a trail that can be fairly steep and muddy, but the reward is exploring an uncrowded beach!
Keep in mind: As with anywhere in Ecola State Park, you will need a $5 day pass or an annual Oregon State Parks pass.
Overall, this is a great shorter hike at Ecola if you only have two hours or so to explore the park.
Saddle Mountain Trail
If you’re up for a 40-minute drive inland, consider enjoying the beautiful 5 mile out-and-back Saddle Mountain Trail.
With a total elevation gain of 1,800 feet, this hike near Cannon Beach will get your heart rate up!
You have to work for it, but the views are incredible! The first half of the trail is mostly forested, but much of the second half is exposed, providing expansive vistas.
Saddle Mountain is impressive and the largest mountain for miles around. Needless to say, it feels great to get to the top and take in the views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean!
Also, this hike has great wildflowers especially in June, July, and August.
Local tip: A restaurant called Camp 18 is located 10 minutes east of the turn off for the Saddle Mountain Trail. If you’ve never stopped in for a bite, a post-hike meal could be a good move!
Overall, Saddle Mountain is one of the best hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon and an amazing way to see this unique part of the state.
Neahkahnie Mountain
One of the highest points on the Oregon Coast, Neahkahnie Mountain is an incredible viewpoint that should definitely be on your list of best hikes near Cannon Beach.
Within a 20-minute drive of Cannon Beach, this iconic landmark rises 1,600 feet above the ocean and provides expansive views to the south.
There are two trails that go to the main viewpoint. One starts from the northwest of the mountain, and one starts from the southeast.
The former is about 4.5 miles round trip and the latter is about 3.5 miles. Both have over 1,000 feet of elevation gain and can be steep, muddy, and overgrown in spots.
That said, each time we have gone it has been totally doable and worth it. From the top, you can see the community of Manzanita and Nehalem Bay.
Be aware: The last bit to the summit is a bit of a scramble over some rocks which can be slippery when wet but not a problem for the average hiker.
Overall, this is one of our favorite viewpoints on the Oregon Coast and we highly recommend you do this trail on a clear day.
Local tip: Anytime you’re driving on Highway 101 past Oswald West, consider stopping at the Neahkahnie Viewpoint. This roadside viewpoint is a great way to get amazing views without any hiking!
Short Sands Beach Trail
Perhaps a more approachable hike in Oswald West State Park, the Shorts Sands Beach Trail is just over a mile with very little elevation gain.
This is an easy hike that showcases the beauty of an old growth conifer forest and ends at the beautiful Short Sands Beach.
This hike starts at the main parking area for Oswald West State Park and begins by going underneath the bridge where Highway 101 crosses Short Sand Creek.
The trail is wide and well-maintained. In contrast to most of the hikes near Cannon Beach, this one is rarely muddy because of the gravel that has been put down.
Soon after you hear the ocean, the trail emerges from the huge trees, and you are welcomed by a beautiful view of the beach and ocean.
Local tip: Shorts Sands is one of the best beaches near Portland to hang out for the day. We recommend packing lunch and a beach towel.
Also, it does get crowded here on summer weekends, so get there early or stay for a sunset hike. There’s lots of space to spread out on the beach, but the parking lot fills up.
Hug Point Trail
While less of a trail and more of a beach walk, Hug Point State Recreation Site near Cannon Beach is an excellent spot to stretch your legs.
The beach is just a short walk from the parking lot, which is less than 10 minutes from Cannon Beach.
The main draw are the impressive rock formations, beach caves, and unique miniature waterfall (Hug Point Falls) that is small but beautiful.
In fact, this is one of the only Cannon Beach hikes that has a waterfall, even if it is only 10 feet tall.
Local tip: Try to go at low tide if you can, you’ll have a bit more beach to explore. You can even walk north around Hug Point to Arcadia Beach. Just be aware of the tide.
In addition, it’s fun to explore the tidepools and see marine life at lower tide.
Overall, Hug Point is a great spot for a casual stroll on the beach with lots of unique rock formations and beach space to appreciate.
Elk Flats Trail
Located in Oswald West State Park, the Elk Flats Trail starts alongside Highway 101 and heads north towards Short Sand Beach.
This 3-mile out-and-back trail borders the rugged cliffs that makes this area so visually impressive.
Start at the small pull off with space for about 20 cars. At the first fork, take a right to turn north. The left route goes a short distance to Elk Flats Rock, which you should explore if you have time.
At the second fork, you can take an optional left to explore another viewpoint. This one is also worth it if you have time.
That said, the main trail goes north past a rocky feature called Devil’s Cauldron. There is another optional viewpoint on the left, but again the main trail continues straight and into the forest.
Before you know it, you arrive at Short Sand Beach. Overall, this trail explores a unique landscape with multiple viewpoints that rival the other best hiking trails near Cannon Beach Oregon on this list.
Local tip: Don’t miss the roadside viewpoint called Neahkahnie Viewpoint just south of the Elk Flats Trailhead. It’s an epic view looking south and definitely worth the quick stop.
Tillamook Head Trail
While most people access Ecola State Park from the southern end, this trail explores the lesser-visited northern end of Ecola State Park.
However, while it is less popular than other trails, it’s still one of the best hikes Cannon Beach has to offer. The Tillamook Head Trail connects Indian Beach with the Ecola State Park Northern parking lot.
Drive north on Highway 101. Just before Seaside, take a left over the bridge onto Avenue U. From there turn left and head toward the Tillamook Head Trailhead, a limited set of parking spots at the end of the road across from a set of vacation homes.
From the trailhead, the trail goes south into Ecola State Park and winds through old-growth Sitka spruce/hemlock forest for the 2.5 mile stretch to Indian Beach.
Along the way, hikers get views here and there through the trees. Closer to Indian Beach, there are some incredible views of Tillamook Lighthouse.
In total, this out and back trail is about 5.5 miles with the option for even more steps if you spend some time at Indian Beach.
Local tip: You’ll find some interesting spots along this trail, including a World War II radar station and a hiker’s camp, which is an overnight camping spot reserved only for people hiking the Oregon Coast Trail. Overnight parking is not allowed at either trailhead.
Overall, this is one of the lesser-visited hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon, and certainly worth checking out for yourself.
Old Growth Cedar Preserve
Last but not least, the Old Growth Cedar Preserve located in Rockaway Beach is an impressive and easy trail, totaling less than a mile in length.
If you don’t mind the 40-minute drive south to Rockaway Beach, this trail lets you get up close and personal with massive western red cedar trees.
The granddaddy of them all is estimated to be more than 500 years old and more than 150 feet tall. In fact, this is one of the tallest trees in Oregon.
Encircled around this amazing tree is a boardwalk that protects the soil from erosion and compaction caused by people. Therefore, it’s a great way to get up close to this living giant without harming it.
Though this is one of the further away hikes around cannon beach, it’s an easy trail that has huge rewards and is a great part of a longer day exploring this area.
Bonus: Cape Disappointment State Park
As a bonus, we think you should know about Cape Disappointment State Park, one of our favorite state parks in Washington.
It’s located on the southern tip of the Washington coastline where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
While the name isn’t exactly inspiring, Cape Disappointment is anything but disappointing! In fact, there are so many amazing hiking trails and viewpoints there.
You also get to see two lighthouses, a visitor’s center, amazing beaches (including Dead Man’s Cove), and World War II era military batteries.
There’s also a beachside campground that is awesome. Learn all about this epic park in our full article about Cape Disappointment.
So why the name Cape Disappointment? An English captain was unable to find the mouth of the Columbia River in 1788.
Other Things to Consider for Cannon Beach Hiking Trails
Local tip: If you haven’t explored the actual beach at Cannon Beach, you must go! Park at any of the free parking areas in town and don’t forget to see Haystack Rock (although you can’t really miss it).
In addition, also keep in mind the following considerations when planning hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon.
When to go Hiking Near Cannon Beach
Weather on the Oregon Coast can be variable, to put it kindly. Simply said, there are lots of rainy, windy, and cold days especially in winter.
As a result, most trails will have some mud in the winter, so it’s important to wear sturdy shoes in addition to warm clothes.
That said, there are lots of sunny days in the spring, summer, and fall, although summer days can be cloudy when it’s hot inland.
Learn more about weather and planning in our full article about when to visit the Oregon Coast.
Permits and Passes
Most of these Cannon Beach hiking trails do not require a permit to park or access the trails. In fact, only Ecola State Park requires payment.
Interestingly, Oswald West State Park does not require a permit, but Ecola State Park costs $5 per day or requires an Oregon State Parks Annual Pass.
Other Resources for Hikes Near Cannon Beach
It’s a good idea to check ODOT’s Trip Check for road closures, conditions, and webcams. For weather, we like to use this NOAA Cannon Beach weather forecast.
Check out our other Oregon Coast articles about Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park. These two areas are home to 7 out of the 10 hikes near Cannon Beach on this list!
Gear is Important!
Whenever you’re hiking, it’s a great idea to have a topographic trail map. Check out this one of the northern Oregon Coast by Green Trail Maps. We’ve used their maps before and love them!
With slippery trail conditions, we highly recommend hiking poles and sturdy hiking shoes. Good rain gear is also pretty critical when the weather is nasty!
Other Things to do Nearby
The northern part of the Oregon Coast is full of fun places to explore. Once you’ve explored some hikes at Cannon Beach, consider adding some of these other spots to your list.
We love to camp at Nehalem Bay State Park, which has close beach access and fun sand dunes.
Further south is Rockaway Beach, Tillamook, and the Cape Meares area, all of which have awesome things to check out.
North of Cannon Beach, check out Seaside, Astoria, Fort Stevens, and Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington.
While the Cannon Beach area is awesome, don’t hesitate to get out to other awesome spots.
Conclusion
We hope you feel prepared and excited to enjoy these amazing Cannon Beach hiking trails.
Hikes near Cannon Beach Oregon are so fun to explore. This is one of our favorite areas on the Oregon Coast, and we always get excited each time we go!
Check out our other articles about the Oregon Coast!
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Of course, leave no trace when you visit to preserve these beautiful places for future visitors.
