Haystack Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haystack Rock |
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Haystack Rock and the Needles, Cannon Beach, 2023
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| Location | Cannon Beach, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 45°53′4″N 123°58′5″W / 45.88444°N 123.96806°W |
| Offshore water bodies | Pacific Ocean |
| Elevation | 235 feet (72 m) |
| Formed by | Lava flows and erosion |
| Geology | Sea stack |
| Age | 15-16 million years |
| Operator | Various state and federal departments |
Haystack Rock is a giant rock that stands tall in the ocean near Cannon Beach, Oregon. It's like a huge stone tower, 235 feet (72 meters) high! When the tide is low, you can walk right up to it from the beach. This amazing rock is home to many sea creatures like starfish, sea anemones, and crabs. It's also a special place where sea birds, including puffins, build their nests.
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History of Haystack Rock
In 1968, a part of the rock that people used to climb was removed for safety. This was done to protect both the rock and visitors.
In 1990, Haystack Rock became a "Marine Garden." This means it's a special protected area for sea life. It is also part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which helps protect its wild nature.
In July 2023, the rock was temporarily closed. This happened after a cougar was seen climbing on it. It was the first time a cougar had been seen there.
Where is Haystack Rock?
Haystack Rock is located about 1.5 miles south of downtown Cannon Beach. It is in Clatsop County. The rock is about 80 miles west of Portland. The main road nearby is U.S. Route 101. Haystack Rock is also part of the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site.
The lower part of the rock, below the high tide line, is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation. The upper part, above the high tide line, is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. They work together to keep the area safe and protected.
How Haystack Rock Formed
Haystack Rock is 235 feet (72 meters) tall. It is made of a type of rock called basalt. This rock formed from lava flows. These lava flows came from huge eruptions about 15 to 17 million years ago. The lava came from what is now the Yellowstone volcanic hotspot. These ancient lava flows created many of the natural features along the Oregon coast.
Haystack Rock was once connected to the coastline. But over millions of years, wind and water slowly wore away the land around it. This process, called erosion, separated the rock from the coast. Three smaller rocks next to Haystack Rock are called "The Needles." Scientists think Haystack Rock might erode away in another 2,000 to 3,000 years.
Protecting Haystack Rock's Wildlife
Collecting plants or animals from Haystack Rock is strictly against the rules. This helps protect the amazing creatures that live there. Also, climbing above the barnacle line (where the high tide reaches) is not allowed. This rule protects the birds that nest on the rock.
The Haystack Rock Awareness Program helps teach people about the rock. They offer educational talks during low tide from February to October.
Many types of birds use the rock to rest and build nests. These include pigeon guillemots, common murres, black oystercatchers, and tufted puffins. They usually raise their young between March and September.
Fun Things to Do at Haystack Rock
When the tide is low, visitors can explore the many tide pools around Haystack Rock. These pools are like small aquariums filled with marine wildlife. You can see many different sea creatures in their natural home.
The area around the rock is a great place for fun activities. People enjoy picnicking, flying kites, and watching birds. In 2023, about 350,000 people visited Haystack Rock.
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