Oswald West State Park, State park on the Oregon coast, United States

Oswald West State Park covers 2,448 acres (9.91 km2) between Arch Cape and Neahkahnie Mountain, including the 400-metre Short Sands Beach, Cape Falcon and Smugglers Cove. Short Sand Creek and Necarney Creek meet the sea at the cove, where Blumenthal Falls drops 13 metres onto the sand. The beach is backed by a dark band of trees and a two-lane road.

The park was acquired by the State of Oregon between 1931 and 1976 and named after Governor Oswald West, who pushed for public access to Oregon beaches. His efforts helped preserve this coastal strip for everyone.

The name Neah-kah-nie Mountain comes from Native American languages and refers to the peak that rises above the ocean. The place holds a connection to lands that were home to indigenous peoples for generations.

You reach Short Sand Beach by walking a half-mile forest path from the main parking lot, going under Highway 101 and crossing a wooden bridge. The trail is well-marked, but expect uneven ground and wet conditions.

The park is home to some of Oregon's largest western red cedars, western hemlocks, and Sitka spruces within its protected coastal rainforest. These giant trees are older than most modern buildings and form the backbone of forest life here.