About
Chapman Point is a designated Marine Garden
Marine Gardens are designated to protect rocky habitat resources through public enjoyment, learning opportunities, and by maintaining ecological integrity. No change to fish harvest beyond baseline ODFW regulations. No take of invertebrate or marine plant harvest in the intertidal except for single mussels for recreational bait and scientific research permits*.
Features
Key Resources
Located at the northern edge of the City of Cannon Beach, the rocky habitat at Chapman Point boasts breathtaking views, magnificent rock formations, and tide pools full of life. Chapman Point is loved by residents, serving as a stunning place for community members and visitors to walk, watch sunsets, take their children and grandchildren, and view wildlife.
The Chapman Point Marine Garden encompasses roughly 46 acres covering about 0.5 miles of shoreline. There are around 11.1 acres of intertidal habitat area and six acres of offshore rocks and islands within the boundary. The Chapman Point Marine Garden Boundary includes all state-owned submerged and submersible land encompassing the shoreline around Chapman Point, extending 194 yards north and 211 yards south of the tip of Chapman Point (perpendicular to West 7th St. beach access), and extending out seaward to 405 yards from the tip of Chapman Point. The four largest sea stacks within the boundaries are called Bird Rocks.
Site Uses
Visitors commonly use Chapman Point for walking, running, dog walking, tidepool exploration, photography, bird watching, fishing, and kayaking.
Access
Chapman Point site is most commonly accessed from several access points at Chapman Beach at the north end of the City of Cannon Beach, including at the western ends of West 7th Street and West 5th Street. It is also accessed from the central beach of Cannon Beach (the “main” beach, which sees the highest visitation), by crossing Ecola Creek, which separates the two beaches. It is also accessed from Crescent Beach to the north, at low tides by crossing the sand bridge between Chapman Point and the first Bird Rock, or around the western (ocean-facing) side of the first Bird Rock when tides are low enough.
management
Site Management
Chapman Point was designated as a Marine Garden in 2024. The original site proposal can be found here: Chapman Point Marine Garden Site Proposal, 2020.
The site management plan for Chapman Point is currently being drafted. You can follow this process here: Rocky Habitats Management Plan Development.
Regulations
No take of shellfish and other invertebrates in the intertidal with the exception of single mussels (for bait).
Ownership
The government agencies with jurisdiction within or nearby Chapman Point Marine Garden are the Oregon Department of State Lands, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. See Appendix D and Appendix E of TSP Part Three, The Rocky Habitat Management Strategy, for more information about specific state and federal regulations at apply within the Marine Garden.
{tab = Management Plan}
Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Plan Drafts
The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on Seven Rocky Habitat Management Plans
OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans. OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, Newport, and Port Orford.
Read the Draft Plans:
- Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
- Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan
Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:
- Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
- Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table
Comments are due on February 2, 2026
When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.
Email comments to:
Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.
