Oswald West State Park
Oswald West State Park
5
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Scenic state park encompassing nearly 2,500 acres of mostly undeveloped land, which is ideal for a variety of outdoor recreation including surfing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking and camping.
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5.0
355 reviews
Excellent
290
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59
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3
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2
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1
MstrViolinist
Seattle, WA403 contributions
Aug 2020
Got there before 9:30am and the parking lot was less than half full. Fully packed when we left around noon. Only a handful of surfers on the beach. Compared to other parks in the area this one is probably less crowded, but there were a lot of people and dogs later in the morning.
I took the trail out to Cape Falcon. Not too difficult, but I've done lots of hikes around Washington. Some muddy spots and narrow parts, but managed about an hour each way (2.3 miles). But the view from Cape Falcon is amazing! Watched seals playing at the pools below with pelicans and other sea birds flying around. Must see spot if it's your first time on the Oregon Coast like me!
I took the trail out to Cape Falcon. Not too difficult, but I've done lots of hikes around Washington. Some muddy spots and narrow parts, but managed about an hour each way (2.3 miles). But the view from Cape Falcon is amazing! Watched seals playing at the pools below with pelicans and other sea birds flying around. Must see spot if it's your first time on the Oregon Coast like me!
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JasMel99
Cheyenne, WY268 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We did the Short Sands hike from the main parking lot ... it was a fairly easy 1/2 mile through dense forest along the short sands creek with a wide packed down trail. It ends at the Pacific where you can walk another 1/2 mile north on the beach to the Blumenthal Falls (you do have to negotiate a couple of areas of slippery rocks and riverbed rocks). The falls are also visible from the beach at the end of the trail. There are picnic tables as well.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy D
3 contributions
Jul 2021
Do not look for a fee station or a place that you drive into...it is a parking lot on both sides of the highway. Blink and you miss it. It also doesn't have a sign that says Oswald West State Park. Confusing
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EaglesFan27
Reading, PA697 contributions
May 2023
I drove at least 60 miles of the Oregon coast stopping at various points. In my opinion, Oswald Beach was my favorite. Stunning scenery but yet less crowded than Cannon Beach. You do have to walk a bit down to the actual beach, but you're hiking through the rainforest. Take time to stop and enjoy the rocky coast when you get to the end.
Written May 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcasey1
Plant City, FL1,677 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Nice walks (we didn't do any long hikes) and beauties. Lots of lovely photo ops, waterfalls, moss covered pines, driftwood on the beach. Nice stop along the Oregon Pacific coast highway
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PattyR2012
Redmond, WA28 contributions
Jul 2020
If you haven't seen PNW old growth forest before, this is a great introduction. Easy walk down to a spectacular beach area. Wear a mask! It can become crowded. Best to go during the week. There are other trails that we didn't have time to try, but will another time. They don't go to the beach, but apparently have wonderful vistas.
Written July 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen W
Atlanta, GA28 contributions
Jun 2020
From the beautiful walk through old growth forest over to the cove/shore, just a beautiful experience. Well maintained foot paths. A stunning view from multiple vantages in the cove where one large creek and several smaller ones empty into the cove. Great for small children to play in the creek and surf without being pounded by waves. Even a waterfall. Probably the favorite park we visited and we did several. You won't be disappointed.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
syrahgirl
Seaside, OR58,088 contributions
We spent a gorgeous afternoon at Oswald West State Park a few days ago. We have been enjoying staying at our beach cottage in Seaside this summer and the coastal living is wonderful here!
We hiked down about a mile through lush rainforests and the bridge over the creek back to the scenic cove where my daughter and husband enjoyed surfing. It was a Sunday afternoon and the beach was filled with over 300 people enjoying the park.
This is a great place to spend the day or afternoon. The short walk down to the beach is also very doable for small children. Getting there is half the fun!
We hiked down about a mile through lush rainforests and the bridge over the creek back to the scenic cove where my daughter and husband enjoyed surfing. It was a Sunday afternoon and the beach was filled with over 300 people enjoying the park.
This is a great place to spend the day or afternoon. The short walk down to the beach is also very doable for small children. Getting there is half the fun!
Written July 21, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rg2000
Philadelphia, PA343 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
We asked several locals if we should go to Ecola or Oswald for a hike. All of them said Oswald. The hike to Cape Falcon was recommended by a guide at the visitor center in Cannon Beach. We did the 2 1/2 mile hike (each way) and were not disappointed. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. This is not a very strenuous hike and can be completed in 3 hours or less. The trail starts at the Cape Falcon parking lot. This lot is the most northern mlot in Oswald park. It is on the right side of 101 when you are heading south.
Written September 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NilanArts
Livingston, MT2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
I just feel the need to warn others that may be visiting this state park. We stopped there this afternoon 3/26/19 for a hike and to enjoy Smuggler Cove. We parked in the smaller north end lot (not the large one with restrooms). I put my purse in our glovebox, we locked the car, and we went on our hike. When we returned, the window on our rental car had been smashed in, car rummaged through, and my purse stolen from the glove box. 3 other vehicles had also been broken into with windows smashed. It appears (as the state trooper said to all involved) that whoever it was, was sitting and watching....as they knew which cars they wanted to hit, and hit 4 in the middle of the day, with no one watching. This is also why they chose this smaller parking lot. Whoever did this was really only after money (cash and cards) as that was the only thing of value that was missing....all other random things were left in the vehicles. A big pain, as there is very spotty cell coverage in this area. It took quite some time to get law enforcement notified, for them to arrive, and then get to cell service to cancel credit and debit cards. Not to mention dealing with a rental car with a smashed window. So if you’re visiting this area, I highly advise parking in the large lot and not leaving any valuables in your car. I’m kicking myself for not taking my wallet, from my purse, with me on my hike. It is a gorgeous area....however our vacation has been spoiled due to these creeps.
Written March 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is er een ruime parkeerplaats?
Written May 30, 2018
Q Translated: Is there parking?
A: Yes, three or four parking lots within ~1000 yards
A: Ja, er zijn vier parkeerterreinen binnen ongeveer 1000 meter
Written July 9, 2018
Will we need our hiking boots for the trails in Oswald, or will sturdy shoes/sneakers be sufficient? Thanks
Written May 31, 2016
In dry conditions a good athletic shoe should be fine; if wet, I would recommend hiking boots. Also dress in layers as temps vary along the trails and be sure to bring drinking water for each hiker.
Written June 1, 2016
Is there a paved bike path through this park that we could take a bike ride on with our kids?
Written May 22, 2016
Yes, there is a wide asphalt gradual pathway that goes to the beach. You access this trail from the parking lot on the east side of 101
Written May 22, 2016
I don't have a car. What's the cheapest public transportation from Portland to oswald west park?
Written December 21, 2015
Just google transportation from Portland to Cannon Beach. There are some bus lines that go there regularly. Once there you would still need to get to the park, ( 15 -20 min. down the coast ). The Cannon Beach Chamber might have info on that.
Written December 23, 2015
What overnight accommodations are available in the area?
Written June 18, 2015
You can find good places to stay either north or south. South, you've got many choices in Manzanita. This a good place to find a motel room, especially with a little advance planning. There's a good walking beach. There are cafe's and restaurants that fairly priced. There's a small grocery store. And small commercial area that doesn't specialize in bad t-shirts and cheap kites. We've stayed in Manzanita many times and find it mellow and pretty.
A few more miles south, you get to Wheeler on the Nehalem Bay. The Wheeler Hotel is our choice, but the motel on the bay side of the hwy has some nice rooms right on the water. At the hotel, you're upstairs, and there are also great views of the bay. We've seen eagles, ospreys, deer, elk, and a huge range of waterfowl from both places. Restaurants are spotty in Wheeler, but the hotel provides an ample breakfast, so we generally drive back up to Manzanita for other meals.
North of the park, there's Arch Cape then Tolovana and finally Cannon Beach. The latter is where you'll find a lot of choices.
Either direction, the distances are reasonable.
Written June 20, 2015
how far is oswold west state park from cannon beach and manzanirta beach
Written April 14, 2015
Oswald is 3 miles from manzanita, and about 10 miles from cannon beach!
Written December 21, 2015
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