Stretching along four miles of coastline in dense, temperate rainforest, Oswald West State Park has a beautifully secluded sandy beach and miles of trails leading to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This vast, scenic treasure is without a doubt one of the most spectacular parks in Oregon. Located two hours west of Portland on the north Oregon Coast, Oswald West State Park is popular with surfers, hikers and beach goers and has much to offer in the way of recreation.

A popular beach that’s alive with activity on any weekend or summer day, Short Sand Beach lies sheltered in a cove blanketed by forests and edged with volcanic basalt and sandstone cliffs characteristic of the Oregon coastline. Nicknamed “Shorty’s” by locals, the beach is just a half mile walk through the woods. From the main parking lot, walk under Highway 101, and down the trail, following the contours of Short Sand Creek through the forest. Cross the creek on a railroad-style bridge and you’ll find yourself at a beautiful picnic area overlooking the beach.

Oswald West State Park offers miles of hiking trails in this 2,484 acre park. A 13-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail weaves its way through the entire park, starting at the community of Arch Cape and extending south towards the town of Manzanita. Two prominent headlands, Cape Falcon and Neah-kah-nie Mountain are included in the park and offer great hikes. Park in one of four parking lots along Highway 101 and enter one of the best preserved coastal rainforests in Oregon. Low-growing ferns, salal and salmonberry are shaded by massive western red cedar, western hemlock and Sitka Spruce trees that form the basis of the temperate coastal rainforest ecosystem of the Northwest. Oswald West does not offer camping.