Haystack Rock and The Needles.

In Cannon Beach, a layer of fog lifted over the ocean and the outline of Haystack Rock cleared into view. Seabirds circled above the surf.

Under clear skies, the 235-foot landmark is visible for miles. Along Hemlock Street, its silhouette is etched into wooden signs and framed in the windows of art galleries.

The Oregon Coast is home to thousands of similar basalt rock formations, sea stacks, which were formed some 15 million years ago from a series of volcanic lava flows.

What sets Haystack apart is how accessible it is from the shore.

Between April and July, the rock sees the return of one of the Northwest’s most visible colonies of tufted puffins. At its base are clusters of mussels and sea stars.

Because the rock is protected both as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and as a marine garden, its accessible nature is balanced with restrictions to protect wildlife.

Since 1985, volunteers with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program have had a hand in enforcing those rules while educating visitors about the rock.

But there was a time when it wasn’t so protected. According to the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, the rock was even subject to a land claim by a developer in 1904 (which was denied.)

Many also attempted to climb it, until access was cut off.

According to an Oct. 10, 1968, article in the Seaside Signal: “Cannon Beach residents were startled Tuesday morning shortly before 9 a.m., by what sounded like a sonic boom.”

A fish and wildlife crew consisting of two men, Ralph Reed and C.B. Stauffacher, had blasted off a lower ledge of the rock with dynamite.

In the process, they were stranded by the incoming tide.

“After some deliberation, it was decided there was nothing to do but let the two men … sit it out.” Finally, the report said, at 5:30 p.m. the two waded to shore.