A Coastal Barkcation in Arch Cape & Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Luie Boone
- Jul 10
- 6 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
Luie Boone wants to let you in on a big, doggy secret: A perfect vacation doesn't take much—just wide-open spaces to run, fresh air to sniff, and plenty of time with your favorite hoomans. In Arch Cape and Cannon Beach, Oregon, those simple joys come naturally. These two laid-back coastal communities offer the ideal dog-friendly getaway, where life slows down and everything centers on the outdoors, the ocean, and each other.
Let's start with Arch Cape, which is one of Luie Boone's favorite hidden gems. Arch Cape is a peaceful, uncrowded stretch of coastline that feels like it was made just for dogs who love the simple things, like quiet sands that almost feel private, especially in the soft light of the early morning and later evening. It's the kind of spot where you can step right outside your vacation door and, within moments, have paws (or toes, for those hoomans) on the beach. Your dog will have their ears perked and sniffer to the ground, as they roam the sand, investigate driftwood, and race the waves along the water's edge.
Just up the road is Cannon Beach. And, no, Luie Boone, there are no actual cannons. But there is plenty of room to run, sniff, and soak up the salty air. Cannon Beach brings a bit more energy than Arch Cape, while still holding onto that easygoing, dog-friendly charm. The wide, open shoreline is perfect for long walks, epic games of fetch, or simply flopping down for a sunny nap. Off-leash play is welcome, as long as your pup is under voice control. There's no shortage of sights and smells to explore—from crashing waves, swooping seabirds, salty driftwood, and the occasional crab skittering by that Luie Boone is almost 100% certain is a tiny beach alien sent here to challenge him to a duel.
Beyond the beaches, both Arch Cape and Cannon Beach offer up forested trails that dogs (and their hoomans) will love. Luie Boone highly recommends checking out the trails for their cooler air, endless new smells, and the chance to swap sandy paws for muddy ones. The scent of pine, moss, and adventure fills the air, whether you're on a gentle stroll beneath towering trees or tackling a longer hike to a jaw-dropping viewpoint.
After the day's escapades, the towns themselves roll out the red carpet... or, at least, a welcome mat covered in paw prints. Patios are wide open for four-legged guests, and many shopkeepers greet dogs with a smile or even a biscuit. Honestly, you won't have to sniff too hard to find some tail-wagging hospitality.
A trip to Arch Cape and Cannon Beach isn't about checking off another vacation destination. It's about savoring the small, tail-thumping moments: misty morning beach walks, lazy sun-soaked naps after big forest adventures, and sharing meals outdoors with your hoomans. It's the kind of days that Luie Boone says are best measured in sandy (or muddy) paws and stolen bites of hooman food.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Arch Cape/Cannon Beach, Oregon. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Schilling Beach House
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 7 beds and 2 full baths.
Photos courtesy of Beachcomber Vacation Homes
It features the following amenities:
Beachfront
Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
Large oceanside deck
Gas BBQ
Side porch with picnic table
Walkway to beach
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Big news! I—Luie Boone—might have just found my dream vacation spot. It's called "Schilling Beach House," and it's tucked away in the charmingly named town of Arch Cape. I haven't been yet (a dog can only dream, right?), but the photos have me imagining salty air, sandy paws, and endless zoomies. And, of course, if I go, my trust sidekick Roger the Stuffed Otter is definitely tagging along. He loves the beach, even if he's accidentally been waterboarded one two many times. From my top-notch pretending-to-snooze eavesdropping skills, I've gathered that this place has epic ocean views, giant windows for maximum squirrel spotting, and direct beach access. There's a big deck for sun-soaked naps, plenty of space for the whole pack. The best news? Dogs are welcome! I'd pay the $25/day pet fee in treats if I could. One day, maybe... I'll be hanging at this rental with sun, sand, snuggles, and non-stop tail wags. What more could a dog (and his slightly soggy and smelly otter buddy Roger) ever ask for?
Paws Venture Here
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
This is a recreational area, which includes just over a mile of beach. It has beautiful sandstone areas throughout. Dogs can be off leash on the shore, as long as you have their leash in hand and they are under voice control.
Haystack Rock
This is a gorgeous, designated bird and marine sanctuary. It rises 235 feet above the sand and the sea. Here you, can take a walk, with your best friend around the tide pools, where you will see a variety of marine life—such as cormorants, seagulls, and tufted puffins. Luie Boone calls puffins "fancy beach chickens," and he is very prepared to chase one.
Oswald West State Park
This park is a great place to visit, with its four miles of coastline in dense, temperate rainforest and a secluded sandy beach. For hikers, there are miles of trails that they can explore with their pup. These trails lead through the forest to beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Ecola State Park
At Ecola State Park, you can stroll along the sand with your buddy, as you both enjoy the ocean breezes. If your pooch prefers trails to sand, you can walk the many miles of beautiful trails in the park, following the steps of Lewis and Clark to the unforgettable scenic overlooks! Luie Boone insists it was actually Luie and Clark, but we all know Luie would never have made it through such an expedition. Too many squirrels to chase, too many sticks to sniff, and absolutely no way he knows how to read a map.
Hug Point State Recreation Site
This site invites owners and their pups to explore scenic coastal beauty. You can enjoy easy beach access, historical sites, and lush vegetation, such as salal, ferns, and sitka spruce.
Cannon Beach
You can walk this sandy beach with your furry buddy. Did you know the beach was named one of the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic? And, Luie Boone, no, there are still no cannons on this beach... though, with the way Luie Boone blasts across the sand, maybe he's the cannon after all.
Cape Falcon Viewpoint
This viewpoint stretches across 20 square miles, with offshore rocks and a rugged coastline. It's accessible by trail from Oswald West State Park. If you're lucky, you might spot gray whales here!
Schwietert's Cones & Candy
Schwietert’s Cones & Candy is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with old-fashioned candies and creamy ice cream. Grab a soft serve and enjoy it alongside your pup, who, if they’re anything like Luie Boone, will be giving you their best I-deserve-a-bite-of-yours-too-or-maybe-the-whole-thing eyes the entire time.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Arch Cape/Cannon Beach, Oregon
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Word on the street is that Arch Cape and Cannon Beach are on our potential, puppy-dog vacation list. And let me tail you, my tail's been wagging since the moment I overheard it in the kitchen. I’m already mentally packed: Roger the otter toy, my blanket, and, of course, my trusty tennis ball. I’m ready for sandy zoomies, salty air, and some serious gull patrol. But then I caught wind of something concerning: Highway 101. Apparently, it’s the only road between the two spots and it floods. Like, a lot. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a dog who loves water. Lakes? Yes. Mud puddles? Absolutely. The garden hose? We have an on-again, off-again relationship. But this? This is a paws-itively soggy betrayal. The road runs right along the beach—so close that I could sniff the seaweed from the backseat—but when the tide rolls in, it turns into a slip 'n slide. And, no, not the fun kind. Just imagine it: You’re all packed, your tail is doing the helicopter spin, and suddenly you hear: “We have to wait for the tide to go down.” Wait? Me? I don’t wait; I zoom. But… if sitting still means I might get to leave my pawprints in the sand, I guess I’ll allow it. One brief a-paws... then back to the zoomies.
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