Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Two Oregon Beaches – A Wreck and a Rock – Which do you Prefer?
Perhaps you know the beaches of which I speak, perhaps not.
In my recent post on Long Beach (Washington, not California, here if you missed it) I mentioned that one should always cross the river into Oregon when visiting the Long Beach Peninsula. It’s a quick jaunt over the bridge to Astoria, where you can shop, eat, and visit the beaches nearby.
On our trip last month, we spent the day at two different Oregon beaches, the first at Fort Stevens State Park, for a look at the wreck of the Peter Iredale.
The beach itself is long, great for walking, flying a kite, bodysurfing, or playing beach volleyball.
But you’ll be drawn to the rusty remains of the Peter Iredale, a ship which ran aground in 1906, one of the most accessible wrecks in the Graveyard of the Pacific.
For the rock, you’ll head south to Cannon Beach, arguably the most famous beach town and landscape on the Oregon Coast, for a look at 236 ft. Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach is also great for walking, flying a kite, and playing beach volleyball, though you’ll have more crowds and a harder time finding parking.
But mostly you’ll be drawn to the ancient rock, with its birds and tidepools.
Which do you prefer?
You’ll want to see the wreck, of course, but you don’t want to miss that rock and its tidepools, either.
So on your next trip to Oregon, why not visit both?
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Beautiful beaches! 🤩
Yes indeed! Thank you!
A couple of really must see beaches, Susanne. As always great pictures.
Yes, indeed! Thanks, Don. 😊
Great photos, beautiful beaches, Susanne! I prefer the rock and its ancient history. ❤️
I think I do, too! But it’s fun seeing a shipwreck. 😊
There isn’t much left of that ship, maybe some of it is buried under the beach.
Broken up by wind and waves over 100 years of wear and tear!
Oh, that makes sense! The coastline must be very dangerous there.
It’s an area near the mouth of the Columbia River, where it flows into the Pacific, one of the most dangerous bar crossings in the world.
Oh, that makes sense. Too dangerous for me!
I was amazed at Haystack rock when I saw it. it is so photogenic! I didn’t see the wreck but that would be awesome as well. The stories it must hold!
Haystack Rock is amazing and a beautiful beach to visit! It’s fun seeing a shipwreck, too. 😊
That wreck is pretty cool.
I think so too! I never get tired of seeing it!
Both are terrific, and free, sights to enjoy…that rock is right up there with the one at Morro Bay!
Yes, indeed! I agree! Thanks, John.
I love searching for life in tide pools.
Great finds pictured.
Thanks. 🙂 It wasn’t a really low tide, but low enough to find some interesting creatures.
Great pictures! I love road tripping down the Oregon coast! For me the biggest thrill is the Astoria bridge! I have never seen the shipwreck in person. Alas, maybe someday.
Thanks for your comment! I agree, the Oregon Coast makes a great road trip! 🙂
Both great beaches, but the rock is the must see for me. A natural formation and home to all those birds. No contest!
Thanks for your vote. 😊 As much as I like seeing the old shipwreck, I agree that Cannon Beach is the must-see if you can only pick one.
The wrecked ship looks really good up close, but the ancient rock has to be my first choice.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. It’s really fun to see the old shipwreck but I have to agree that Haystack Rock is the best choice if you only have time for one.
Do I have to choose?! I like both equally but as we visited Cannon Beach when we were in Oregon years ago (and Bandon, which I preferred), I would have to opt for the wreck which we completely missed seeing!
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose, why not do it all? 😉 🙂 Bandon is one of my favorite places on the Oregon Coast and much less crowded, I also prefer it to Cannon Beach. But Haystack Rock is pretty cool to see, with the tidepools. And I always love seeing the wreck of the Peter Iredale, which is less than an hour north of Cannon Beach.
There are actually three Haystack Rocks on the Oregon coast. Besides the Cannon Beach one, there is one near Pacific City south of Tillamook. I am told there is one in Bandon, but I have not seen that one. Perhaps you have seen it.
I’ve traveled the length of the Oregon Coast and seen many gorgeous monoliths and sea stacks offshore. I remember ‘Haystack Rock’ in Pacific city, but I especially like the bluff at Cape Kiwanda there. I love Bandon and the many giant rocks offshore, but didn’t realize one of them was also called ‘Haystack Rock.’ I mainly remember Face Rock. I guess unique names are hard to dream up!
I think I’d check out both! 💜
Definitely worth it! They’re less than an hour apart. 😊
Never been come to this place. the beach looks very beautiful
The Oregon Coast is amazing and has so many wonderful beaches!