experiences, places

When to See Tide Pools in Cannon Beach

Low tides and volunteers offer a chance to learn more about all the life teeming beneath the waves.

BY LAURA J. COLE | Updated June 4, 2026

Things to know about exploring tide pools in Cannon Beach.

You won’t be able to walk up to Haystack Rock. The area surrounding the iconic outcropping has been designated a “Marine Garden,” meaning the marine life is protected. As such, volunteers rope off the area to ensure no one walks over the critical habitats or removes any wildlife.
There are still plenty of pools to explore outside that area that are full of starfish, mussels, anemones, and nudibranchs.
From May to Labor Day, volunteers are available as part of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program to explain more about life in the tide pools, on the rock, and along the Oregon coast.
Haystack Rock is a safe haven for tufted puffins to lay eggs and raise their chicks. The brightly colored birds are most visible from April through early July, and volunteers provide telescopes from May to Labor Day so visitors can better see them and are available to answer questions.
Be sure to wear rubber boots and sunscreen, and bring a rain jacket just in case. The Oregon Coast can be unpredictable. Though sneaker waves are more likely in the winter, they can and do occur throughout the year. Always face the ocean and be on the lookout, especially if you have little ones.
Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be leashed. Keep in mind that the rocks and barnacles near the tide pools are hard on their paws.
Tide pools can be found from Seaside to just north of Florence along the Oregon coast, including at Ecola State Park, Garibaldi, and Devil’s Punch Bowl Marine Gardens. Though the marine life can vary, most include sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, mussels, barnacles, kelp, and nudibranchs.

Best times to see tide pools at Cannon Beach in 2026*

*After 7 am
NOTE: Times listed below are peak low tide (-1.6 or lower); plan on an hour or two before and after to explore the pools.

Monday, June 15
7:38 am

Tuesday, June 16
8:28 am

Wednesday, June 17
9:16 am

Tuesday, July 14
7:25 am

Wednesday, July 15
8:12 am

Thursday, July 16
8:55 am

Wednesday, August 12
7:05 am

Thursday, August 13
7:47 am

Best times to see tide pools at Cannon Beach in 2024*

*After 7 am

Monday, August 19
7:07 am

Tuesday, August 20
7:46 am

Wednesday, August 21
8:24 am

Thursday, August 22
9:01 am

Thursday, September 19
8:25 pm

Things to know about exploring tide pools in Cannon Beach.

You won’t be able to walk up to Haystack Rock. The area surrounding the iconic outcropping has been designated a “Marine Garden,” meaning the marine life is protected. As such, volunteers rope off the area to ensure no one walks over the critical habitats or removes any wildlife.
There are still plenty of pools to explore outside that area that are full of starfish, mussels, anemones, and nudibranchs.
From May to Labor Day, volunteers are available as part of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program to explain more about life in the tide pools, on the rock, and along the Oregon coast.
Haystack Rock is a safe haven for tufted puffins to lay eggs and raise their chicks. The brightly colored birds are most visible from April through early July, and volunteers provide telescopes from May to Labor Day so visitors can better see them and are available to answer questions.
Be sure to wear rubber boots and sunscreen, and bring a rain jacket just in case. The Oregon Coast can be unpredictable. Though sneaker waves are more likely in the winter, they can and do occur throughout the year. Always face the ocean and be on the lookout, especially if you have little ones.
Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be leashed. Keep in mind that the rocks and barnacles near the tide pools are hard on their paws.
Tide pools can be found from Seaside to just north of Florence along the Oregon coast, including at Ecola State Park, Garibaldi, and Devil’s Punch Bowl Marine Gardens. Though the marine life can vary, most include sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, mussels, barnacles, kelp, and nudibranchs.