Exploring Cape Kiwanda in Detail (Cannon Beach, OR)

Oregon’s coastline is always refreshingly new every time I visit, even if I consider myself one of the most regular visitors there. But I usually could not spend enough time to explore the places in detail, so I recently visited Cape Kiwanda again.

Here’s a posting about Cape Kiwanda that I posted previously. 

- Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area- The Best Sunset Place

Usually when I travel to take pictures, I got tired by the time I arrived at the destination from the long trip. So I usually did not have enough energy to explore much further. Cape Kiwanda was one of those destinations for me.

Cape Kiwanda’s representative site is Chief Kiwanda Rock, which is a unique rock that looks like an elephant from a distance. Also, there is a steep sand dune, and I saw many people climbing the sand dune. Previously, I did not explore much beyond that. 

But this time I decided to explore more and even the weather cooperated with me.  

There were many people due to the good weather at Cape Kiwanda, and the sun was starting go down. It was a great condition to take pictures. 

I climbed up the sand dune along with many other people. Then there was a wire fence with a warning sign that clearly said not to enter the area due to danger. But many people completely ignored it and crossed over the fence. The wire fence was hanging down from many people crossing it, making it even easier to cross.

I crossed over it with a very uneasy and guilty feeling, but once I crossed over, I found more people were there. That made me feel justified somewhat like it was okay to do so. I came down the hill and a strong wave looked as if it would take everything away. 

I guessed the reason for not allowing access is because of weak land foundation and strong waves.

But it was much different than other ocean areas I’ve been to, as if I was looking at a living ocean, and it was thrilling.

I got really busy taking pictures there and returned back home happily thinking about coming back to Cape Kiwanda again someday…