The Pacific Coast Elk herd has been quietly roaming the area, including Cannon Beach, for some time now. One of their favorite hangouts is the retreat house yard of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

While on one hand it may be a romantic idea to have such a herd hanging out at your place, the reality is a little more complicated. These are enormous, powerful wild animals and they can appear with surprising quietness.

This morning, I woke to find a magnificent bull elk standing in the yard, surrounded by a gathering of cows. The great antlered animal surveyed the property as though he had been appointed its temporary guardian.

For a few moments, everything felt wonderfully out of time. The elk moved slowly through the grass, munching on the hedges and various brush, completely at ease, while I watched from a respectful distance. Their presence was both thrilling and humbling—a reminder that even in a familiar coastal town, the wild is never far away.

Elk need plenty of space, especially during mating season or when a bull is protecting the herd. They should never be approached, fed, or startled. Staying out of their path and observing quietly from indoors or a safe distance are the best ways to share the landscape with them.

Eventually, the herd wandered on, leaving behind flattened grass, tangible piles of evidence of their visit, and an unforgettable morning. The visit was brief, but it changed the character of my day. Waking up to a bull elk and his herd in the yard was not exactly an ordinary Cannon Beach experience—it was a rare glimpse into the wildlife continuing just beyond our doors.

For those of us lucky enough to witness it, the Pacific Coast Elk herd offers a spectacular reminder: sometimes the most memorable visitors are the ones who arrive without knocking.