There’s a distinct shift that settles over the Oregon coast once summer crowds thin out and the air turns crisp. Cannon Beach in the fall trades its busy summer feel for a quieter season, with misty coastal forest and stunning sunsets. The fall foliage in Cannon Beach looks different from what you’ll find elsewhere, with evergreen forest creating the backdrop for pockets of brilliant red vine maples, golden big-leaf maples, and yellow alders. If you’re planning a getaway to watch the season change, these are the best spots near Cannon Beach to see it happen.
Ecola State Park
No fall foliage tour near Cannon Beach is complete without a stop at Ecola State Park, just north of town. An expansive spread of vine maple, red huckleberry and salal put on a colorful show against an evergreen backdrop of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Trails wind through old-growth forest before opening onto dramatic viewpoints where you can look south toward Haystack Rock or north toward Tillamook Head, with occasional fog rolling in to add atmosphere. Because Ecola State Park sits on the edge of the ocean, you’ll get a combination of dramatic coastal beauty and forest color in the same hike.
Scenic Drive from Cannon Beach to Astoria
For a sweeping look at the colors of fall, the drive along Highway 101 between Cannon Beach and Astoria is hard to beat. The road climbs and curves through dense coastal forest, past river valleys and small towns, with maples and alders lit up in bright yellow against deep green fir and cedars. As you near Astoria, the landscape opens up along the Columbia River, and the historic town’s Victorian architecture is wrapped in autumn colors. It’s an easy half-day trip and one of the best ways to see how the fall foliage near Cannon Beach changes as you move north along the coast.
Oswald West State Park
South of Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park delivers one of the most immersive fall forest experiences in the area. A short walk from the parking lot leads through a cathedral of old growth Sitka spruce, with a mossy, layered understory that turns golden and burnt orange as fall sets in. The trail emerges onto Short Sand Beach, a secluded cove where surfers paddle out even as the weather turns cooler. Because the park is sheltered from the wind, the fall colors tend to linger a little longer, making it a great pick for a late October visit. It’s quieter than Cannon Beach, so you’re likely to have long stretches of trail and shoreline mostly to yourself.
Why Visit Cannon Beach in the Fall
Cannon Beach in October is a magic season where the weather turns moody with fog and the occasional storm creates some drama. The beaches open up, offering plenty of space to walk, with some of the best tides of the year for beachcombing and tidepooling. The slower pace and lighter crowds of the season means more space to enjoy Cannon Beach’s charming shops, restaurants and arts scene. It’s also prime wildlife season, with migrating birds and gray whales along the coast, and the Roosevelt elk coming out at dusk. Combined with the beautiful colors of changing fall foliage, it’s a great time to slow down and see the coast in all its glory.
Book Your Fall Escape to Cannon Beach
There’s no better way to experience Cannon Beach in the fall than from a home base with an ocean view, a fireplace, and a hot cup of coffee waiting after a hike. Haystack Luxury Vacation Rentals offers a large selection of Cannon Beach vacation rentals, perfectly positioned for easy access to the best fall foliage viewing points. Book your stay today and make this year’s fall foliage season one to remember.