Sitting just a few blocks from the beach, the Cannon Beach Settling Ponds provide freshwater and forest habitats away from the bustle of this charming coastal village. Just as birders visit this site to escape the hordes of beachgoers, coastal birds find shelter from stormy seas in the calm ponds and brushy woods.
Located next to a large parking lot and public restroom, the Cannon Beach Settling Ponds host an observation deck and a level gravel path that loops around four ponds and an active wastewater plant. The ponds attract a nice variety of waterfowl, including Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Gadwall. In the warmer months, watch for Wood Duck and both Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal.
The western edge of the loop trail passes by a wetland that is home to Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Yellowthroat. Watch the fences for Black Phoebe. The woods at the south end of the property produce Varied, Hermit, and Swainson’s Thrushes, depending on the season, along with Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Pacific Wren.
When storms blow in off the ocean in autumn and winter, saltwater species take shelter in the ponds. Watch for Surf and White-winged Scoters, Red-necked Grebe, and both Red and Red-necked Phalaropes.
Spring and summer bring six species of swallow, Hermit and Wilson’s Warblers, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and Black-headed Grosbeak.
Directions
This city park has an observation deck and flat gravel trails. From the north end of Cannon Beach, follow 2nd Street east to its end at the settling ponds.
Downloadable Files
At a Glance
Click on the coordinates below to view location:
45°53’53.29″N 123°57’26.82″W
Habitat
Ponds, alder/willow thicket, mature forest.
Terrain
Flat. Easy walking on gravel trail. Observation deck has one flight of stairs.
Birds
Diversity of waterfowl, Band-tailed Pigeon, Vaux’s Swift, Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Spotted Sandpiper, Western, Glaucous-winged, and California Gulls, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Steller’s Jay, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, six species of swallow, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Pacific and Marsh Wrens, Varied and Swainson’s Thrushes, Cedar Waxwing, Purple Finch, Fox, White-crowned, Golden-crowned, and Song Sparrows, Orange-crowned, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, Hermit, and Wilson’s Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeak.
When to go
Year-round. Greatest diversity of waterfowl is found from autumn through spring. Spring and summer bring a variety of songbirds. Autumn storms bring the best chance of vagrants.
Amenities
Observation deck and flat gravel trails make for easy viewing of the ponds. A public restroom is located just west of the parking lot. Cannon Beach has many restaurants.
Access
City park. Open year-round dawn to dusk. Free parking. From the north end of Cannon Beach, follow 2nd Street east to its end at the settling ponds.
Tips
A spotting scope is useful for seeing waterfowl and gulls on the ponds.
For more info
eBird page, ebird.org/hotspot/L1145914