Hike to Short Sand Beach
Since the only way to reach Short Sand Beach is by foot, you’ll have to travel along the Short Sand Beach Trail. This 1.2-mile out-and-back route first weaves through the park’s old-growth forest and follows the Short Sand Creek. At around .3 miles, you’ll cross a railroad-style bridge that will bring you to a scenic picnic area overlooking the beach. From there, the trail begins to slope towards the sea; you’ll begin to hear the relaxing sounds of the salty waters as they meet the shore and see the beauty of the Oregon coast.
As you wander along Short Sand Beach, make your way towards Smugglers Cove, an area of the beach enveloped by rocky, forested bluffs on one side. Once here, set up a chair or roll out a towel to relax and take in unhampered views of the Oregon coast and the seabirds that fly above. You’ll probably spot a few surfers on the horizon because the waves are ideal year-round. Short Sand Beach is also a favorite among wildlife sightseers who want to explore the beach’s tide pools, brimming with small intertidal critters native to the area.
After perusing the coastline, make your way to the Cape Falcon Hike trailhead, which is accessible from the beach. The out-and-back, easy hike will lead you 200 feet up through the coastal forest until you reach the south headland Cape Falcon, which juts out over the ocean.
Making your way to higher peaks
Several paths at Oswald West State Park offer a bird’s-eye view of the Northern West Coast. For a more casual stroll, venture down Devils Cauldron Trail. Though the .5-mile trail is a bit rugged, it is considered an easy hike and can be accessed from a parking lot directly off Highway 101. The out-and-back route will lead you to a grassy post that overlooks a moody cove surrounded by monumental seaside cliffs on both sides. Peer down 200 feet into the cove to catch a glimpse of waves crashing into several sea stacks and look to either side to observe a variety of nesting birds.
If you’re a more experienced hiker, lace up your shoes to trek the North Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail. The out-and-back route is a 4-mile-long round-trip, but you will gain over 1,100 feet in elevation. As you ascend, you’ll encounter several switchbacks that pass through fields of wildflowers and a spruce forest. The summit of Neahkahnie Mountain, or Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, is one of the highest points on the Oregon coast, providing breathtaking vistas that stretch from the waters off of Short Sand Beach to Tillamook Bay on clear days. Neahkahnie Mountain from South Hike is a slightly less challenging way to reach the peak. With its secluded beach, unbelievable coastline, and preserved forests, Oswald West State Park offers visitors the type of solitude that can only be found in nature.
