How Far is Cannon Beach from Portland? A Road Trip Guide

Holiday season is on its peak & there’s no other better time to start planning your getaway. If you are in search of memorable & ultimate road trip destinations, there’s no best & scenic drive than Portland to Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach is famous for coastal highways, landscapes & iconic Haystack Rock located near the Portland. Not only this, it’s also a great day trip or family getaway from Portland, liked by both tourists & locals.

In this blog post, we will guide you about how far is cannon beach from Portland in detail. Read on!

How Far is Cannon Beach from Portland?

Get Directions

Cannon beach is approximately 129 kilometers from Portland, Oregon & it’s approximately 80 miles to complete distance.

Driving time depends on the mode of transportation you are using. If you want to reach Cannon Beach from Portland via bus, it normally takes 3 hours & 34 minutes. To reach via car, you can complete your way in 2 hours & 4 minutes.

Also, the distance time also depends on other factors too like weather & traffic conditions. Before finalizing your mode of transportation, consider all the factors earlier. There are various routes to reach but US-26 W is the best route to complete distance along with scenic spots.

Different Travel Options

From Portland to Cannon Beach or Cannon Beach to Portland, there are various travel options to choose from. Porland to Cannon Beach driving can be completed with the following transportation modes:

1. By Car

By Car

When you travel by car, you not only explore the roadside scenic attractions but also, it’s one of the best & convenient ways. You can travel from Portland to Cannon Beach via car by following the Highway 26 West to the junction of Highway 101. With this, you should continue 4 miles south on Highway 101.

2. Public Transportation

A crowd of people waits at a bus stop as a red bus with route number 8100 pulls in. The bus stop features a raised platform and yellow tactile paving, emphasizing the efficiency of public transportation, and is set against the backdrop of a bustling urban area with tall buildings and greenery.

Public transportation is best option when you don’t have any car in your hand but it also comes with longer time & less flexibility. You can go for bus, shuttle service & train for traveling from Portland to Cannon Beach.

Portland’s Northwest point comes with a daily Portland to Cannon Beach bus service 2 times a day. Portland to Cannon Beach train takes 12-to-13-hour average time & 2 trips on daily basis from Amtrak.

3. Bike

Bike

For adventurous travelers, the most scenic drive from Portland to Cannon Beach is through bike. Also, bike is the best option when you are in search of “how to get to Cannon Beach from Portland without a car”? Also, your biking experience will allow you to explore scenic spots on the way.

What to See on the Way?

While covering distance from Portland to Cannon Beach, there are various attraction & scenic points to explore. The following are these:

1. Tillamook State Forest

Tillamook State Forest

364,000-acre publicly owned Oregon’s forest and it’s located 40 miles west of North Oregon Portland coast range. For all types of travelers, there are various programs & events to be organized that will give you something to remember about this forest.

Best Time to Visit

  • Anytime

Address

  • 45500 Wilson River Highway Tillamook, Oregon 97141.

Phone

  • (503) 815-6800

2. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area edited

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is special place for adventurous people who want to enjoy recreational activities. It was established back in March 23, 1972. In this place, you can find & explore various types of plants and animals.

Best Time to Visit

  • Early morning or evening.

Address

  • 855 Highway Ave, Reedsport, OR 97467

Phone

  • (541) 271-6000

3. Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge

Immerse in natural beauty while enjoying the scenic views of Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge is up to 4,000 feet deep & 80 miles long. This place is best option for those who gets tired during travel & want to take some break.

Best Time to Visit

  • You can visit anytime.

Address

  • 902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200 Hood River, OR 97031.

Phone

  • (541) 308-1700

4. Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach State Park

The day-fun area features restrooms & picnic areas with tables. Harris Beach State Park offers a splendid beauty in form of seascape, trails, sandy beaches and outcroppings. Also, you can enjoy picturesque views of hiking trails.

Best Time to Visit

  • Fall is the best time.

Address

  • U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415

Phone

  • (800) 551-6949

Best Time to Visit Cannon Beach

The best time to visit Cannon beach depends on various factors like weather, road conditions & crowd levels.

Based on previous visits & unlimited fun, the most recommended time to visit Cannon Beach is during summer. You can visit from June to August even September is also the ideal time to go for.

No matter what season you decide to visit this iconic place, it’s always great to check the weather earlier. Also, if you don’t like crowds, you can visit during the off-peak season or early mornings for relaxation & fun.

Things to Do in Cannon Beach Once You Arrive

1. Visit Haystack Rock

Visit Haystack Rock

235 ft-tall sea stack which is situated within the Cannon Beach premises. Haystack Rock is adjacent to the beach and only accessible by foot at low tide.

From starfish, crabs, chitons to limpets and sea slug, the tide pools are home to various animals so don’t miss the chance to see these animals.

Age

  • 15-16 million years

Phone

  • (503) 436-2623

2. Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park offers hiking trails and stunning views of the coastline. Also. It’s an amazing 7-mile trail that will give you stunning views of Haystack Rock, isolated beaches & lighthouse. There are picnic tables available inside the park where you could enjoy picnic with mesmerizing views.

Opening Days & Hours

  • Monday-Sunday: 6 AM–10 PM

Phone

  • (503) 812-0650

3. Downtown Cannon Beach

Downtown Cannon Beach

A charming area with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. A downtown Cannon Beach is the place where you can enjoy quality time with your friends & family. The best time to visit downtown when you free yourself from other beach activities and want some fun in the form of art galleries 7 cafes.

4. Tide Pooling

Tide Pooling

Tide pooling in Cannon Beach is where the shorelines meet the sea. From Haystack Rock, you could enjoy the most accessible & amazing views to the tidepools.

For optimal & best viewing, you have to reach to intertidal zone 1 hour before low tides. Before tide pooling, do not forget to read essential tips & precautions.

5. Surfing

Surfing

Cannon beach is one of the best & accessible spots for surfing. Also, you can learn surfing at Cannon Beach if you are beginner level surfer.

For beginners, summer months are ideal to learn surfing. All surfers should take necessary precautions & follow travel tips when go for surfing.

Final Thoughts!

How far is Cannon Beach from Portland? Cannon Beach offers a delightful escape from Portland, with its stunning beaches, charming shops, and delicious seafood.

Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a longer getaway, the journey is well worth it. Pack your bags and get ready to go on a coastal adventure to this picturesque Oregon destination. Plan your perfect coastal getaway!

FAQs

1. Is Cannon Beach Oregon worth visiting?

Yes, undoubtedly the Cannon Beach in Oregon is worth visiting just because of charming views, coastal towns, small town shops and amazing state parks.

2. How far is cannon beach from Seattle?

The distance between Seattle, Washington to Cannon Beach, Oregon is 206 miles that takes 3 hours & 28 minutes.

3. How far is Multnomah falls from Portland?

It only takes 31 minutes to reach Multnomah falls from Portland as the covered distance is only 30 miles.

4. Is the drive from Portland to Cannon Beach scenic?

Yes, the drive from Portland to Cannon Beach is not only scenic but also allow you to enjoy stunning & rustic views of Oregon Coast. You won’t get bored during your journey.

5. Is Seaside or Cannon Beach better?

Cannon Beach is far better than Seaside because of it’s quiet & laid-back atmosphere. You can go to small shops, bakeries, boutiques & explore the art galleries. Seaside is better for teenage beach town experience.

6. Why is Cannon Beach so popular?

Cannon Beach is famous for its beautiful coastlines, downtown, rocky bluffs & much more. There’s a lot to explore & experience for everyone in this place.



Lynn Foster
Lynn Foster is a seasoned travel expert, creative writer and blogger, shares her global adventures on the Touripia blog.

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