🌤 Weather at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–62 °F | 49–70 °F | 42–69 °F | 40–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cloverdale, 4 mi away, elevation 12 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a public state park in Oregon near Tierra Del Mar in Tillamook County. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Tierra Del Mar |
| County | Tillamook County |
Location & Getting There
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is located near Tierra Del Mar, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.2316, -123.9706.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Cape Kiwanda’s dramatic sandstone headland — sculpted by wind and waves into a golden amphitheater — is one of the most photographed locations on the Oregon coast. The cape is the only sandstone headland on the Oregon coast (all others are basalt), making it uniquely vulnerable to erosion. The famous “Punching Bowl” (a collapsed sea cave) demonstrates ongoing geological processes. Haystack Rock offshore (325 feet tall) — not to be confused with Cannon Beach’s more famous Haystack Rock — provides nesting habitat for common murres, tufted puffins, and pelagic cormorants. Pacific City’s dory fleet launches directly through the surf here — a tradition dating to the early 1900s that is unique in Oregon. Gray whales pass close to the cape during migration.
Nearby Attractions
Pacific City offers surfing, fishing, and the iconic Pelican Brewing Company on the beach. Bob Straub State Park protects the Nestucca Spit. Three Capes Scenic Loop connects Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda along one of Oregon’s most dramatic coastal drives. Cape Lookout State Park offers a 2.5-mile trail to a cliff-edge viewpoint — one of the best whale-watching locations on the coast. Nestucca River provides world-class steelhead and salmon fishing. Cascade Head Preserve protects rare coastal prairie.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island is a short drive away, and Bob Straub State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
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