Oswald West State Park
Park Oregon coastal park with old-growth forest and surf
Oregon coastal park protecting old-growth forest, headlands and Short Sand Beach. Visitors hike coastal trails, surf or beach-walk, and stay at the park’s rustic campground.
How to Get to Oswald West State Park #
Oswald West is reached from US Highway 101. From Cannon Beach it’s approximately a 15-20 minute drive north; from Manzanita it’s a short drive south. Highway 101 provides the main approach, and specific trailheads (Short Sand Beach, Neahkahnie) have small parking areas-space is limited on summer weekends so arrive early or use nearby town shuttle services when available.
Tips for Visiting Oswald West State Park #
- Arrive early for the short but steep trail to Short Sand Beach; the parking lot fills fast on summer weekends.
- Bring layers-coastal fog can make temperatures drop suddenly even on warm inland days.
- Park at the Neahkahnie access for the best long views and to avoid the narrow, steep switchbacks at some trailheads.
Best Time to Visit Oswald West State Park #
Summer is easiest for beach access; autumn and winter are best for dramatic coastal weather and solitude.
Weather & Climate near Oswald West State Park #
Oswald West State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2391 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (353 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (284 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (257 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (360 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (377 mm).
