Short Sand Beach, affectionately known by locals as "Shorty’s," is the vibrant heart of Oswald West State Park. Tucked away in a secluded cove, this crescent-shaped beach is framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs and the dense, old-growth rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. Unlike many windy stretches of the Oregon Coast, Short Sand is uniquely sheltered by Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain, making it a favorite sanctuary for surfers, families, and hikers alike.

Short Sand Beach

• Length: 0.8 miles round trip from Hwy 101
• Total Elevation Gain: 100 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: < 1 hour (hiking time)
• Season: Spring through Fall

The journey to Short Sand is part of the magic of this beach. A gentle, 0.5-mile walk leads you through giant Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedars. Once you reach the sand, enjoy watching surfers catching breaks in the surf and children exploring the tide pools and piles of driftwood. During the wetter months, you can even spot Blumenthal Falls cascading directly onto the beach at the north end of the sand—one of the few "tidefalls" in the region. 

While Short Sand Beach is a worthy destination on its own, it also serves as a great starting point for two longer hikes in the park, Cape Falcon and Devils Cauldron, both included further down in this hiking guide.  The hiking durations provided for each of those hikes (2 to 4 hours) do not include any time visiting the beach, so an entire day could be had in the park by combining either hike with a little chill time on the beach.

Oswald West State Park is open year round, but many of the trails can be muddy, and sometimes impassable, in the winter and early spring months.  Hiking boots and poles are recommended, as well as gaiters if muddy conditions are expected.   

Cape Falcon

Trail Stats

• Length: 4.6 miles round trip from Hwy 101
• Total Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 3-4 hours 
• Season: Spring through Fall

Starting at Highway 101, follow the trail an easy half a mile to Short Sand beach (see above).   Right before the beach watch for signs to Cape Falcon.  Follow the Cape Falcon Trail, (part of the Oregon Coast Trail) approximately 1.5 miles north (right) to Cape Falcon.  This section climbs steadily through a lush canopy of old-growth Sitka Spruce, dense ferns and salal, occasionally affording glimpses of the ocean through the trees.

As you near the headlands of Cape Falcon, the forest thins into coastal scrub. A side trail culminates at a rocky outcropping on the tip of the cape.  Use caution around the cliffs.  From the cape, you are rewarded with a panoramic view looking back across Short Sand Beach toward the rocky cliffs of Neahkahnie Mountain. 

Hike an additional half mile north along the Oregon Coast trail for views into the pretty cove north of the cape.  From the cove, return to Short Sand Beach and Highway 101 along the same trails.

Devils Cauldron

Trail Stats

• Length: 3.2 miles round trip from Hwy 101
• Total Gain: 1,000 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Season: Spring through Fall

Devils Cauldron is easily accessible from Highway 101 at the Elk Flats Trailhead, but for those who love a walk in the trees, this hike provides a lovely climb through coastal pine forest from Short Sand Beach to the overlooks above Devils Cauldron.

Starting at Highway 101, follow the trail an easy half a mile to Short Sand beach (see above), but instead of heading toward the sand, look for the Elk Flats Trail junction.  Follow the Elk Flats Trail, (part of the Oregon Coast Trail) approximately 1 mile south (left).  After the suspension bridge over McNeary Creek, the trail climbs through a beautiful mix of Sitka spruce and ferns to the open meadows known as Elk Flats. Keep an eye out for elk, which are frequently spotted in the grassy clearings here.

At Elk Flats, watch for a short, well-marked spur trail on your right leading toward the cliffs.  The spur trail ends at a fenced overlook perched high above Devil’s Cauldron, a sheer-walled cove where the Pacific Ocean churns and crashes against the dark volcanic rock.  As always, be mindful of safety around any cliff areas, and always stay behind all barriers.

From Devils Cauldron, return to Short Sand Beach and Highway 101 along the same trails.

Recommended Gear

• Durable boots
• Hiking Poles
• Gaiters (if muddy conditions are expected)

Driving Directions to Short Sand Beach

• From the North (Cannon Beach): Drive south on Highway 101 for approximately 10 miles to Oswald West State Park.  From the tunnel at the park entrance drive 3.6 miles to the well marked parking lot for Short Sands Beach (left turn).
• From the South (Manzanita): From the center of town, drive approximately 4.0 miles on Highway 101 to the well marked parking lot for Short Sands Beach (right turn).

More Information

• Oswald West State Park: Essential Field Guide – Toltrek's park guide including trails and more park information
• Oregon State Parks: Oswald West Official Page – Real-time alerts and park contact info.