Short Sand Beach
Manzanita, OR
Short Sand Beach, known to regulars as Shorty's, sits inside Oswald West State Park at the end of a half mile walk through old growth rainforest, opening onto a cove tucked against Cape Falcon that's become one of the north coast's most reliable surf spots. The forest walk in is as much a part of the experience as the beach itself.
A real local institution for both the surf and the walk in through the forest, though the half mile carry and limited pullout parking are genuine tradeoffs.
How we score beachesThere's no beachside parking. Everyone parks at the highway pullout and carries boards or gear in on foot, so pack light or bring a wheeled cart if you're surfing.
Free highway pullout parking on Highway 101, which fills early on summer weekends and good surf days.
A flat, half mile forest trail connects the parking area to the beach, wide and well maintained but not paved.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail and beach.
Surf is most consistent in fall and winter, while summer, June through September, brings the driest trail and calmest days for a family visit.
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