We’re Visitors. This is their Home.
Thousands of creatures, both big and small, live on or near Haystack Rock.
Haystack Rock and the surrounding area sustain a large, but fragile, diversity of life. Numerous rules and regulations from both state and federal agencies have been implemented to protect this special place.
In short:
Climbing is Prohibited: All land above the mean high tide line (barnacle line) is overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This land is designated as a Wilderness Sanctuary and is closed to public use. While not open to the public, responsible tidepooling and viewing are encouraged.
Learn More Here: U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Dogs Must be Leashed: Dogs are welcome on most ocean beaches and state parks. Dogs are allowed to be off leash as long as they are under the voice control of their owner; however, at and around the Haystack Rock Marine Garden, dogs must be kept on leash. This not only protects your furry friends but also the nesting sea and shorebirds that call Haystack Rock home.
Learn More Here: OAR 736. DIV 21 0090
Harassing Wildlife is Prohibited: Haystack Rock is an important nesting site for sea and shorebirds, harassing or disturbing animals is prohibited, this includes disturbances caused by drones or pets.
Learn More Here: Migratory Bird Act of 1912
No collecting or harvesting: The harvesting of invertebrates and marine aquatic vegetation is strictly prohibited. However, single mussels may be harvested to be used as bait.
Learn More Here: Rocky Shore Management Plan
For more information on our recommended responsible and sustainable tidepool etiquette see here.
The Agencies Involved
Federal Protections: Haystack Rock is a part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge comprises 1,853 islands, rocks, reefs, and headlands that makeup 371 acres of protected wildness along and off of the Oregon Coast. The land above the mean high tide line (barnacle line) is designated as a Wilderness Sanctuary and is closed to the public at all times.
Oregon State Protections: Haystack Rock Marine Garden designation comes from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP) Rocky Habitat Management Strategy which establishes in law a program of planning and management of ocean and shoreline resources. The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) is the marine policy advisory board that provides statutory charges, advice, and guidance on resource management issues. The TSP and OPAC are overseen by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) Find out more about TSP, OPAC, DLCD, and the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy here.
Oregon Beaches: Since 1967, land along the Oregon Coast shoreline has been public and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
City Management: The City of Cannon Beach operates the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, the lifeguards on duty, and maintains the public beach accesses within the city limit.
Given all the agencies who have a role in managing the recreation at and around Haystack Rock, it is not uncommon to see the area patrolled and monitored by USFWS Officers, ODPR rangers, City of Cannon Beach Police Officers, HRAP staff, and lifeguards. We appreciate your cooperation in our conservation and management efforts. As you often hear us say here in Cannon Beach, it takes a village.