THINGS TO DO IN PACIFIC CITY, OREGON:

WALK THE BEACH AT CAPE KIWANDA STATE NATURAL AREA

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Pacific City. This stunning state park offers plenty of activities including beachcombing, birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking.

Its iconic sand dunes are definitely the highlight of the area, so make sure you take a few hours to explore them. Be sure to bring your camera and capture some stunning photos!

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a day-use area that’s open year-round.

There is a $ 10-day use fee for parking here, or you can catch a ride here on Pacific City’s trolley during the summer months.

SNAP A PHOTO OF HAYSTACK ROCK

Oregon has three haystack rocks off its coastline, and Pacific City boasts the tallest of the three, at 340 feet tall.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area offers the easiest, closest access to Pacific City’s Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is not accessible from the shore.

Furthermore, it is a protected wildlife refuge, which means boats must keep their distance as well.

EXPLORE THE TIDE POOLS AT CAPE KIWANDA STATE NATURAL AREA

Check out the tide tables and visit Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area during low tide to explore and observe marine life in the tide pools.

Be on the lookout for ochre sea stars, giant green and aggregate anemones, crabs, purple sea urchins, and California mussels.

CLIMB SAND MOUNTAIN AT CAPE KIWANDA STATE NATURAL AREA

Ok, I don’t know if anyone else actually calls it Sand Mountain, or if it’s just us. But it is a bit of a mountain. And it is covered in sand.

Whether that’s what other people call it or not, once you arrive at Cape Kiwanda, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!

Climbing Sand Mountain has become somewhat of a tradition for us. If you’re up for the climb to the very tip-top, the best time to go is shortly before sunset.

The views of the ocean and Haystack Rock from here are breathtaking.

Please note that a fence lines the cliff’s edge along Sand Mountain. It’s extremely important not to cross the fence, as parts of the cliff may crumble at any time. If you stay on the correct side of the fence, you’ll be safe.

GO SURFING

Pacific City is a popular spot for surfing, but the water is cold here so you’ll definitely need a dry suit. If you don’t have (or don’t want to pack) a dry suit and board, you can rent both at Moment Surf Co., right next door to Ben and Jeff’s, adjacent to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.

THREE CAPES SCENIC LOOP

The Three Capes Scenic Loop in Pacific City, Oregon is a stunningly beautiful drive that offers incredible vistas of the Oregon Coast. This loop starts just south of Tillamook and follows Highway 101 along Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda before turning back inland.