Haystack Rock Awareness Program

10/13/2026

What is THAT? None other than the Giant Green Anemone, one of the residents of our tide pools here at Haystack Rock. Anemones are closely related to jellyfish, and have stinging tentacles that catch their food. What you’re seeing is an anemone out of water. During low tides, anemones will close up in order to protect themselves. When submerged under the water, anemones will open up and you can see those stinging tentacles. These anemones are amazing animals, and are one of the most common creatures we find at Haystack Rock!

10/13/2026

Just in time for Halloween – because who doesn’t need costume ideas? You may have heard of leucistic birds who appear paler than normal and/or feature white splotches, but do you know about melanistic birds? This summer, volunteer monitors at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon noticed a Tufted Puffin exhibiting melanism – meaning it had an excess of dark pigmentation. Instead of the Tufted Puffin’s traditionally white face that appears during breeding season, “Mel” was sporting a black mask – leading researchers to believe s/he either is partially melanistic and/or was possibly modeling his/her Batman (or Batwoman) costume.

Photo credit: Melissa Keyser

10/09/2026

Sharktober 🦈Tag along this October and learn more about these amazing animals. The Oregon Coast is home to 15 species of shark, all unique. Sharks have a fearsome reputation, and while some might be apex predators, there's a lot more to learn and appreciate about them. We might not see many sharks from the beach here at Haystack Rock, but they are a vital part of the marine ecosystem that Haystack Rock inhabits. Happy Sharktober!

10/09/2026

It’s All About The Rock And More! -

newsletter

10/09/2026

10/06/2026

Blooper Reel 🎞️ We all get a little tongue tied sometimes. Meet Rachel, one of our lead rocky shore interpreters here at Haystack Rock Awareness Program. Rachel has been with us for two seasons, and is truly an asset to our team. She graduated with a degree in wildlife biology in 2025, and brings that amazing knowledge to HRAP. She also brings a great sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself, something we are grateful for everyday. Thanks Rachel!

09/29/2026

Join us on a shift at Haystack Rock Awareness Program!
Our program was founded in 1985, with the intent of educating the public on the wonders of this iconic place. Over 40 years later, we are still going strong! Our interpreters and volunteers are the backbone of our program. They are on the beach in all weather conditions in order to preserve this ecosystem, so that visitors can enjoy this beautiful area for years to come.
In our busy season, a single interpreter will often engage with hundreds of visitors a day. Cannon Beach receives over 1.5 million visitors annually, with Haystack Rock being one of the major attractions. Chances are, if you’ve come to Haystack Rock at low tide, you have seen us in our red jackets! Our mission is to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. To achieve this mission, HRAP operates a seasonal Rocky Shore Interpreter Program from February through November, to educate visitors on the local intertidal and seabird ecology, encourage the practice of proper tidepool etiquette, and educate visitors about the state and federal laws and agencies responsible for managing Haystack Rock. In addition, our program also offers field trips, private tours, and opportunities for volunteering.