Short Sand Beach Guide

Short Sand Beach, known to locals as Shorty's, is a sheltered crescent of sand tucked into Smuggler Cove in Oswald West State Park. Ringed by sea cliffs and old-growth forest, it is one of the most beloved spots on the north Oregon Coast and a key stop on the Oregon Coast Trail 5-day itinerary. It draws surfers, families, and hikers in equal measure, and the short forest walk to reach it keeps the crowds manageable compared with a roadside beach.

Getting to the Beach

There is no road directly to the sand. From the Short Sand Beach parking lots on US Highway 101, about 10 miles north of Manzanita, a flat, well-maintained trail follows Short Sand Creek through Sitka spruce for roughly 0.3 miles down to the cove. The two lots sit on either side of the highway, connected by a pedestrian tunnel under 101. Parking is free but limited, and the lots routinely fill by mid-morning on summer weekends, so plan an early arrival.

• Trail to the beach: about 0.3 miles, flat and stroller-friendly
• Parking: free, two lots, fills early in summer
• Restrooms: available near the trail junction
• Location: Oswald West State Park, 10 miles north of Manzanita on US 101

Surfing at Short Sand Beach

Smuggler Cove's geography makes Short Sand Beach a premier Oregon surf break. The headlands of Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain shelter the cove from the strongest swells and wind, producing rideable waves for beginners and intermediates when much of the coast is blown out. The water is cold year-round, so a full wetsuit, booties, and often a hood are standard even in summer. Fall frequently delivers the cleanest conditions when offshore winds line up with incoming swell.

Hiking From Short Sand Beach

The beach is the launching point for some of the best hikes in the park. The Cape Falcon Trail heads north about 2.4 miles each way to a dramatic headland viewpoint, while a southern route climbs toward Neahkahnie Mountain for panoramic ocean views. Both connect to the larger Oregon Coast Trail network, so you can turn a beach day into a serious hiking day with no extra driving.

• Cape Falcon Trail: about 4.8 miles round trip to the point
• Neahkahnie Mountain: a steeper climb to sweeping coastal views
• Oregon Coast Trail link: long-distance segments in both directions

Camping Near Short Sand Beach

Oswald West State Park no longer offers its old walk-in campground, so plan to camp nearby. The closest developed options are Nehalem Bay State Park just south of Manzanita, which has a large campground with yurts and beach access, and several private campgrounds and RV parks around Manzanita and Wheeler. Reserve well ahead for summer weekends, as the north coast books out fast.

Best Time to Visit

Short Sand Beach shines from late spring through early fall, when the weather is driest and the trail down is least muddy. Summer mornings often begin foggy and clear by afternoon. Winter brings powerful storms that are spectacular to watch from the trees but make the cove unsafe for water sports. Whatever the season, watch for sneaker waves and never turn your back on the surf.

Fit It Into a Coastal Trip

Short Sand Beach pairs naturally with Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, and the headlands to the north and south. To weave them together with day-by-day logistics, lodging ideas, and tide timing, follow our 5-day Oregon Coast Trail itinerary.