Located on the rugged Oregon Coast just 10 miles south of Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park is a premier Pacific Northwest destination encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of pristine coastal rainforest. This Field Guide provides the essential logistics, safety information, and trail connections you need to explore this "Crown Jewel" of the Oregon state park system, characterized by its ancient headlands and secluded surf coves.

Park Overview

• Location: US Highway 101, situated in Tillamook County, Oregon, between the communities of Cannon Beach and Manzanita
• Hours: Open year-round for day use (dawn to dusk)
• Fees: Currently no day-use or parking fee required to access the park
• Parking: Four primary parking lots are located along Highway 101. These lots fill up quickly on weekends and during the summer; we recommend arriving before 10:00 AM.

Park Amenities

Oswald West State Park offers several great areas for exploration:

• Short Sand Beach: Known locally as "Shorty’s," this sheltered cove is a sanctuary for surfers and families.
• Cape Falcon: This secluded headland offers spectacular panoramic ocean views.
• Neahkahnie Mountain: The park's southern anchor, featuring rugged cliffs that rise 1,623 feet above the Pacific.
• Devils Cauldron: A dramatic overlook above a churning, rocky cove.
• Ancient Canopy: Oswald West protects a rare, old-growth temperate rainforest of Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar.

Explore the Trail System

Check out our trail guides for Oswald West.  We have organized the park’s 13+ miles of trails into three distinct guides based on your adventure goals:

• Short Sand Beach - Cape Falcon - Devils Cauldron: Ideal for casual explorers, surfers, and those looking for a moderate hike to a stunning headland.
• Neahkahnie Mountain Trail: Great for those seeking a challenging climb and the most famous panoramic view on the coast.
• The Oregon Coast Trail Traverse: Our "Challenge Trek" guide for high-endurance hikers wishing to hike the full 13-mile length of the park.

Important Regulations & Safety

To ensure a safe visit and protect this sensitive ecosystem, please observe the following:

• No Camping: Oswald West is a Day-Use Only park; overnight camping and fires are strictly prohibited.
• Stay on Marked Paths: The cliffs at Cape Falcon, Devil's Cauldron, and Neahkahnie are sheer and the soil can be unstable. Always stay behind designated barriers.
• Prohibited Excavation: While the legend of Spanish gold is a fun piece of history, excavation or treasure hunting is prohibited by Oregon state law.
• Pack It Out: There are no trash cans on the beach or trails; please practice "Leave No Trace" and carry all trash back to the parking lot receptacles.

Check out the Oregon State Parks: Oswald West Official Page for park updates, current conditions, contact info and more.

Toltrek Tip: Because the park’s dense canopy keeps the ground moist year-round, trails are almost always muddy, even in mid-summer. We recommend waterproof boots and trekking poles for every hike in this system to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.