The best road cycling routes in Oswald West State Park

The Nehalem River is a breathtaking waterway that boasts diverse wildlife, both on land and in the water, from majestic elk and black-tailed deer to playful river otters and busy beavers. Below the surface, the river is teeming with salmon and other fish. As you ride along, you might spot a northern spotted owl, an osprey, or even a golden eagle in the sky. In 2019, the river was designated a “State Scenic Waterway” to protect its corridor, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Cannon Beach has earned recognition as the best overall beach in Oregon, and for good reason. This four-mile-long beach boasts breathtaking coastline views and is crowned by the iconic Haystack Rock. This picturesque spot attracts more than 750,000 visitors each year.

If you are a beer enthusiast, Pelican Brewing Company is a must-stop. There are 20 taps to choose from year-round, including small-batch brews, a seasonal menu, and growlers to go. The small brewery is easily visible, and if you're interested, the staff can give you a personal tour.

This local brewery is the perfect destination to unwind after a long ride. There is a fantastic patio complete with fire pits and games, creating the ideal atmosphere to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer, a juicy burger, and some of the best onion rings you'll find on the Oregon coast. You can also watch the process of beer-making in action. If you're in the mood for a picnic, you can always take your favorite ale to go in a crowler or a growler!

This lighthouse sits just over a mile offshore and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is commonly known as "Terrible Tilly" due to its unlikely location, ability to withstand the ravages of the sea and dangerous conditions for its keepers dating back to 1878. The viewpoint is an excellent opportunity to capture a photo of this exciting piece of history in the Pacific Northwest.

Haystack Rock is a basalt sea stack that reaches a height of 235 feet (71.63m). From April to September, bring binoculars to view the puffins flying in and out of the crevices as they nest for the season. You can view other seabirds during spring, including murres and cormorants. During low tide, you can explore the tide pools full of sea stars, anemones, colorful nudibranchs and sea slugs at the base of the rock. Avoid going beyond the signs disallowing passage, as Haystack is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The North Nehalem Fish Hatchery has a rich history that dates back to 1966 when it was first constructed. This hatchery was built to replace the Foley Creek Hatchery, which had been operational since 1926. Today, it's a modern facility used for adult collection, spawning, and rearing of several fish species, including Chinook, coho, steelhead, and rainbow trout. Visitors can view spawning activity from October to February and learn about the facility through an indoor display.

Haystack Rock is a basalt sea stack that reaches a height of 235 feet (71.63m). From April to September, bring binoculars to view the puffins flying in and out of the crevices as they nest for the season. Other seabirds that can be viewed during spring include murres and cormorants. During low tide, you can explore the tide pools full of sea stars, anemones, colorful nudibranchs and sea slugs at the base of the rock. Avoid going beyond the signs disallowing passage, as Haystack is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.