Driving from Cannon Beach to Nehalem, Oregon: Distance, Time & Scenic Route
Cannon Beach to Nehalem: A Quick Coastal Hop
The drive between these two iconic Oregon Coast towns is short and spectacular:
- Distance: ~14 miles (22.5 km)
- Time: ~25 minutes (no traffic)
- Route: US-101 South the entire way
What You'll Pass
- Ecola State Park (just south of Cannon Beach)—panoramic viewpoints.
- Arcadia Beach—rocky coves, tidepools.
- Hug Point—historic stagecoach road carved into sandstone (accessible at low tide).
- Oswald West State Park—Short Sand Beach, old-growth forest trails.
- Manzanita—charming village, 7-mile beach, Neahkahnie Mountain views.
Nehalem Highlights
- Nehalem Bay State Park (camping, horseback, kayaking).
- Nehalem River estuary—birding, paddleboarding.
- Historic downtown: bakery, brewery, art galleries.
Tips
- Summer weekends: expect slow traffic; allow 40+ min.
- Check TripCheck for landslides/closures (common in winter).
- Parking at Oswald West & Hug Point fills early—arrive by 9 AM.