Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area — Attraction in Tillamook

Unique Beach sand dune Rocky Cove access. The one thing to keep in mind when exploring this amazing place is what makes it amazing can kill you. That's right people die here, why? It has cliffs, steep sand dunes and on the other side a pit kind of like the sarlacc pit in Star Wars. Except on this one if you get trapped in the hole you fall down to a pile of rocks about 50 feet. Sand Sandstone cliffs constantly crumbling washing into the sea and creating new platforms ledges and ocean tide effects that most people should just stay away and take pictures of. The last time I left this place a coast Guard helicopter was patrolling the beach looking for bodies. Now if you restrict your visit to just the South side of the sand dune it's safer. The rocky area that extends into the ocean behind the fence you're not supposed to pass gets dangerous due two sneaker waves crashing over the last giant Peak at High tide. Cliffs there can deposit you unexpectedly into an ocean with no way to get out. Tide pools on the Southside are really fun way for kids and adults to discover nature. They're covered with mussel clams with all sorts of little ocean creatures hiding in the rocks and crevices and pools where starfish and other uncommon ocean things can be found. Surfers populate the waves in front of these pools and dory's Beach on the sand. Adventurous folks take their vehicles out on the sand and there's always someone getting stuck. There's a restroom in the parking area and across the street there's some quick food. A few restaurants in the area tend to be overpriced so it's recommended to move elsewhere if you want...

This place was terrible you shouldn't go. There are to many people and not enough parking. Just stay home or go to sea side... no use driving out here. The sunset on the haystack is just... well OK. And the beer and the Pelican Brewery. Well you know how watered down warm beer tried to enjoy inside without a view and where there wasn't sand blowing in your face... or the stink of the dory fisherman motoring up the beach. They are just soooooo boring to watch launch or land on the totally to huge cast sandy beach next to a high dunn that has ... well an OK view of whales passing on occasion.. not sure anyone wants to see that. And then there's new coastal architecture of the headlands resort. Not sure why they push the limits and line up a view from the lobby to the hay stack when the sun just shines on the rock and glistens on the water framing this somewhat isolated haystack. Anyway dont bother to waste yo time time in kawanda as there are many other turn outs on 101 to visit. But if you do go make sure you go to the grateful bread bakery and get a dry scone or wet muffin they are terrible. ... if you made it this far in my thumb typing then you must know I am right on the money.... this little sand and rock has always been a most inviting place never a dule moment place or people. I will always return. Dropping the single star cause it only needs one. Explore...

I spent almost all of 2007 on the beach at Cape Kiwanda. So cool with surfers (brrrr!!) And sand boarding down the huge dunes, and watching the Dory fishermen launch and return right on the sand! I revisited there today (and got a yummy burger from the Pelican!!) I was surprised at the crowds, especially for a cool overcast Wednesday in May. But... I was appalled by all the dogs running loose! My Zuma was off his leash, we usually love playing with his favorite tennis ball! But, there were probably 25 or 30 dogs here. And, disgustingly, the majority were NOT being watched by their people. Every size and breed... Yorkies to BIG mixed breed dogs. Many were aggressive!! And very few folks seemed to realize they need to "scoop", even tho bags were provided.

Folks... C'mon! It's really a matter of responsibility! Dog friendly beaches are a plus allowed to add to the fun. It's still actually legally required that dogs must be on a leash. Oregon just looks the other way! But, how much longer will that continue if the beaches start looking like this one was...