Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach,OR

Haystack Rock starfiish

Marine life from Haystack Rock

Travelers staying at Tolovana Inn are encouraged to discover new species at low tide during annual vacations to Cannon Beach Oregon through the act of tidepooling. Oregon has over 362 miles of coastline that are free for the public to explore, including Haystack Rock, a 235-foot rock formation that is home to a fascinating marine garden of sea creatures. Migratory shorebirds and magical marine life make this National Wildlife Refuge one of the top things to do in Cannon Beach as well as a local hot spot for tide pool viewing. Plan to avoid Haystack Rock parking clutter by arriving early to get a spot at one of the many public parking areas. 

What is Tidepooling?

Ocean-dwelling residents such as vibrant starfish, sea urchins, colorful anemone, scurrying crabs, and other aquatic life can be found in pooled waters left at Haystack Rock. Visitors can not only encounter unique critters in their natural habitat but also indulge in breathtaking views of the coastal shores. Outdoor enthusiasts may inspect the exposed sea life during low tide; however, it is not advised to touch or disturb the area since Haystack Rock is a protected landmark. It is prohibited to climb on the rocks as there are many living creatures such as mussels, barnacles, and sponges that make it hard to distinguish between rock and creature. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program provides safe, guided tours for excellent viewing opportunities.  

A Premier Cannon Beach Resort

Families from all over North America travel to Cannon Beach Oregon to explore the many nearby beaches, galleries, shops, and museums that surround Tolovana Inn. Our guests have the opportunity to enjoy an oceanfront stay with beautiful views of the shoreline from a private balcony. Ocean front suite at Tolovana InnSpace is vital when traveling with a group, so make sure to check out our large suites and rooms on the accommodations page before making a reservation. Please call 1-800-333-8890 to inquire about more information or to book your stay.

EV Charging Stations at Tolovana Inn

Tolovana EV charging station

EV and Tesla fueling stations

Tolovana Inn has expanded its electric vehicle charging stations Tolovana Inn just added four Level II chargers that accommodate all-electric vehicles in addition to four Tesla-only chargers

Oregon is a leader in creating a strong network of charging stations for electric vehicles, and Tolovana Inn is pleased to expand its role in that system.    Charging stations are increasingly important to Tolovana Inn guests and visitors to the Oregon coast.

Haystack Holidays in Cannon Beach: The Spirit of the Season!

The picturesque village of Cannon Beach lit up festively for the season.

 

Haystack Holidays is a collection of delightful special events in Cannon Beach that will warm your heart. Get into the spirit of the season at events for all ages! 

Between the shopping and special events,  you can enjoy the spectacular Oregon Coast during a season like no other.  Make Tolovana Inn your home away from home, with spacious suites and cozy fireplaces. 

 Annual events include the Lamp Lighting Ceremony, Pictures with Santa, and  Special Concerts.   The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce has all the details.

 

The Stormy Weather Arts Festival: A Cannon Beach Classic Event

Snow Day in Cannon Beach, Jeffrey Hull

For over 30 years, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival kicks off the first weekend in November, attracting art and music lovers to Cannon Beach.

The festival of the arts allows guests to experience the best of the Cannon Beach creative community. You’ll soon see why this exceptional  little beach town has earned the distinction of “One of the 100 Best Art Towns in America.”

Make reservations now to stay at Tolovana Inn then prepare to enjoy all the festival fun, November 2-4.   If you come down for the weekend, you can stay over Sunday night for 50% off your room rate.   Then, you can enjoy a leisurely ride home Monday morning.

Home to Extraordinary Galleries

Cannon Beach is home to over a dozen exceptional art galleries.  Many of the galleries’ most notable national and regional artists’ will be showcased during the festival. You can wander around the town, visiting art gallery after gallery, enjoying receptions and artists demonstrations.   You can also catch free live music performances all weekend long at six music venues, both indoor and outdoor.

The Jeffrey Hull Gallery is one of the sponsors of the Festival. Jeffrey controls the difficult medium of watercolor, often in very large paintings. He also works in oil paints.  He is reknown for his ability to capture the beauty and moods of the places where water joins the land.  He and his wife Carol opened their Cannon Beach Gallery in 1987, where his original works, lithographs, cards, and books are available to admire and purchase.

 Lloyd Jones Friday & Curtis Salgado Saturday

A concert showcase featuring Lloyd Jones is set for Friday night at the Coaster Theater.  The Oregon-born soulful Jones has spent 30 years as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. Tickets for this intimate show in the Coaster are just $35.

On Saturday night, legendary Curtis Salgado will headline a Coaster Theater performance.  National  Public Radio calls Salgado a “Blues icon” with a huge voice.  The Blues Review declares that Salgado is “one of the most soulful honest singers ever. ” Like Jones, he is sure to bring down the house.  Tickets for his concert are $40.

You might bump into Salgado at the Tolovana Inn, where he and his band will be staying.

The festival also includes “Dancing in the Rain” fashion show where you can pick out a new outfit.  All apparel and accessories from local and national designers is available in Cannon Beach shops.  On Sunday, the Festival wraps up with a Brews, Blues and BBQ lunch featuring local craft beers.

Concert and other event tickets can be purchased online. 

You can book your Tolovana Inn room online or call 1-800-333-8890.

 

Jeffery Hull Original Painting, Falls-Hug Point

 

Beach Fire Ban Lifted: Break out the S’mores

Cannon Beach fire ban lifted
(Photo: Jon Martin)

The Oregon State Parks Department announced today, August 29, that the fire ban in place for most of the summer has been lifted for Cannon Beach and other North Oregon beaches and parks.

Specifically, the ban has been lifted north of the Umpqua River (Roseburg area). *

For Labor Day visitors to Cannon Beach, that’s great news just in time for the three-day weekend.  It’s time to break out sweatshirts, beach blankets and makings for S’Mores. 

The weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny days, but evening temperatures are expected to drop to a brisk mid 50 degrees.  Perfect for a beach bonfire! 

Tolovana Inn has a special S’Mores‘ package for four including roasting sticks, chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.  You can also get firewood from Tolovana Inn.   Just call ahead to reserve your supplies–800-333-8890.

A cozy beach fire is a perfect wind down for what many people consider the final weekend of summer vacation, especially for those whose lives revolve around school calendars.

For others, the months of September and October are typically inviting too, for bundling up around an outdoor fire.

 

*Two exceptions are Alfred Loeb and Saddle Mountain Parks, where the fire ban remains. 

 

 

What’s your Cannon Beach summer tradition?

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Vacation isn’t complete without a recumbent bike ride only the beach.A tradition is based on passing on a custom from generation to generation.  And, many visitors to Cannon Beach have their traditions that make their every visit complete.

Regardless of all the fun and relaxation enjoyed at the beach, there are always one or two things you have to do to during your stay.

Maybe it’s looking for sand dollars in the morning tide and looking around the tidepools at Haystack Rock?    Perhaps a jog along the shoreline?  Or a  stop at Bruce’s Candy Kitchen for sea foam and saltwater taffy?  Maybe it’s shopping for beach souvenirs for your kids or new art for your home.  

Traditions are often based on fond memories of good times.

There are always plenty of things to enjoy when you stay at Tolovana Inn in Cannon Beach.

What’s your Cannon Beach tradition?

Cannon Beach first among “10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season”

Accordinbeach fireg to a recent online article in The Huffington Post, Cannon Beach tops the list of the 10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off Season.    Key reasons cited are smaller crowds, empty swaths of sandy beaches and lower lodging rates in September and beyond.

Specifically, the article points out how Cannon Beach visitors can cozy up into the evening with a twilight bonfire and a fine bottle of wine to watch some of the year’s most incredible sunsets.    Unlike other beaches, there is no rule against alcohol on the Oregon coastline.

Exploring the tide pools at Haystack Rock was also highlighted.  And, it goes on to point out that the wildlife really comes out when the crowds disperse, with lots of bird watching along the shore and at neighboring Ecola State Park where visitors can watch for elk and migrating grey whales offshore.

Storm chasers are advised that that fall and winter’s unpredictable weather that can bring crashing waves, best enjoyed from an oceanfront hotel.   Fortunately, Tolovana Inn’s ocean front rooms and suites are perfect for that.

Other notable beaches highlighted in the article include  Moshup Beach,  Massachusetts, near Martha’s Vineyard, Kennebunk Beach, in Maine,  Sunset Beach, North Carolina and  Pfeiffer Beach, California’s Highway 1, near Big Sur.  Rounding out the list are Shi Shi Beach, in the Olympic National Park, WA; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Cove Beach, New Jersey and Malaquite Beach, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Haystack Rock Tidepools part of National Wildlife Refuge

 

Exploring the tide pools around nearby Haystack Rock is an inviting summer activity for guests of Tolovana Inn at Cannon Beach.

 An iconic natural landmark, Haystack Rock is actually designated a protected Marine Gardesb10068250tt-001n and National Wildlife Refuge.  And, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) provides both staff and volunteers daily throughout the summer to guide beachcombers and answer questions about the natural world.

HRPA is actually a stewardship and environmental education program whose mission is to protect Haystack Rock, and the intertidal and bird ecology surround it.   Each day, members set up an extensive interpretive program including signs and educational brochures, bird stations with spotting scopes and often times, microscopes too.

To be a good s6889142046_alternateteward, visitors are reminded that the intertidal areas around Haystack Rock are fragile ecosystems.  Guests are encouraged to tread lightly around the tide pools and stay on sand or small bare rock to avoid stepping on vulnerable animals like anemones and barnacles.    Be gentle as you observe wildlife in its natural state, being sure to leave the natural environment undisturbed.

Since its inception im1985, the HRPA has educated hundreds of thousand adults and children about this amazing island and the marine-related life around it, protecting it each day, and for generations to come.

Haystack Rock

Perfect place for exploring tidepools

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