Bring Your Class to the Rock
Unfortunately, all available slots for in-person field trips during the 2024 school year have been filled. Didn’t get the opportunity to reserve? Check out our virtual field trip program instead! For additional information, please reach out to Lisa Habecker, our Education and Volunteer Coordinator, at habecker@ci.cannon-beach.or.us
For an hour, your students will explore the vibrant ecosystem at Haystack Rock by rotating through three stations: Intertidal Exploration Station, Bird Observation Station, and Aquaria Investigation Station.
Intertidal Exploration Station: Students will observe intertidal organisms in their natural habitat. Post-exploration, discussions will delve into key ecological concepts such as adaptation and zonation.
Bird Observation Station: Students will closely observe birds, exploring their nesting habitats and behaviors. Essential bird concepts such as migration and adaptation will be introduced during this station
Aquaria Investigation Station: Students will closely examine intertidal animals and algae, focusing on identifying anatomical and behavioral similarities and differences that contribute to their classifications.
Field trips typically occur in the morning, at low tide, and generally in any weather so please ensure your students dress accordingly-beach weather changes rapidly.
We ask that school groups refrain from arriving without prior notice to minimize disruption to other students. Unfortunately, due to space limitations at Haystack Rock’s tidepools, we cannot simultaneously host multiple school groups or large gatherings. If your request for a field trip cannot be fulfilled, we recommend planning a visit to Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park or to Hug Point State Recreation Site to run a self-guided tour.
While field trips are offered at no cost, donations are gladly accepted. Your donation is used to support the continuation and improvement of our program.
Tide Chart
As the name suggests, tidepools are tide dependent and are only accessible at low tide. Optimal tidepool viewing at Haystack Rock is during tides of 0.0 feet and lower. It is important to understand that tide tables provide an informed estimate, and the accuracy of tidal predictions can be influenced by weather conditions. We recommended scheduling a field trip on a date that will allow you to arrive as close to low tide as possible. An hour before low tide is ideal, as this will give your students time to explore while the water is still receding.
How To Prepare
We suggest reviewing Our Educator’s Guides to assist in your preparation and that of your students. Within each guide, you will find details on parking locations, necessary items to bring, additional information about each station, and lessons designed to ready students for their on-beach objectives.
Getting Your Students to the Rock
Haystack Rock Public Parking: The nearest public parking lot is situated at the junction of Hemlock and Gower Street, right beside City Hall on 163 E. Gower St. There are three oversize parking spots available.
To reach the rock, proceed westward along Gower Street from the parking lot to reach the beach access point. Once you arrive at the beach, look south -Haystack Rock will immediately come into view. The journey to the rock takes 12 to 15 minutes on foot. Lisa Habecker, our Education and Volunteer Coordinator, will greet your group on the beach upon arrival.
Before heading down, considering a restroom break might be wise – since there are no restroom facilities available on the beach. The closest public restroom is situated just across the street from the parking lot, on Hemlock Street. You can find it next to the American Legion at 1216 S Hemlock St.
Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site: In the event that the Haystack Rock Public Parking area is without available spots for oversized vehicles, we recommend utilizing the parking facilities at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. From there, you can access the rock by following the access road down to the beach and then heading north. The rock is approximately a 25-minute walk from this spot. Lisa Habecker, our Education and Volunteer Coordinator, will greet your group on the beach upon arrival.
Before heading down, considering a restroom break might be wise – since there are no restroom facilities available on the beach. Restrooms are available at the Recreation Site.
Drop-Off Site: If no parking is available, you can drop off students at 1190 Pacific Drive.
To reach the rock, proceed toward the beach access point. Once you arrive at the beach, head south. The journey to the rock takes 12 to 15 minutes on foot. Lisa Habecker, our Education and Volunteer Coordinator, will greet your group on the beach upon arrival.
Please have your students separated into groups (3-4 depending on how many stations). HRAP will offer a quick introduction to welcome the students as well as to remind them of important tide pool etiquette. HRAP will also collect the Chaperone Expectations forms from you at this time.