Cougar spotted at iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach closed at Oregon coast

Haystack Rock, a popular destination near Cannon Beach, was closed to the public due to sightings of a cougar on the iconic rock formation. Witnesses reported seeing the cougar on Sunday morning, leading to the closure of the beach for public safety. The Cannon Beach Police Department confirmed the presence of an adult mountain lion on Haystack Rock and closed the beach between the rock and the dunes to allow the cougar an avenue to escape. Police, fire crews, and state wildlife officials were present to ensure public safety and the welfare of the animal. The public was urged to avoid the area until further notice.

Haystack Rock, a designated wilderness area protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, serves as a nesting habitat for various seabird species. The closure aimed to protect both visitors and the wildlife in the area, including tufted puffins.

This was the second instance of cougar sightings on the northern Oregon coast in recent days. Nehalem Bay State Park had closed a section of its Loop Trail due to multiple cougar sightings earlier in the week.


The Cannon Beach Police Department took to social media to inform the public about the cougar sighting and closure of the beach. They requested cooperation and patience from the public as they dealt with the unique situation and worked towards resolving it safely.

Efforts to handle the situation involved the collaboration of CBPD officers, Oregon State Police Game troopers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, officials from Oregon State Parks, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and Cannon Beach Fire. Their presence aimed to protect both the public and the cougar while resolving the situation peacefully.

The closure of Haystack Rock due to cougar sightings highlighted the need for caution and respect for wildlife in the area. Public safety remained a top priority, and updates were expected to be provided once the situation was resolved and the beach could be reopened to the public.