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Oswald West State Park

Park

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.

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In this guide

Oswald West State Park essentials

Address: Oswald West State Park, Tillamook County, Oregon (nearest towns: Manzanita and Cannon Beach)
Website: stateparks.oregon.gov
Hours: Day-use only (dawn-dusk); no overnight camping within the state park
Admission: No entrance fee; some trailhead parking areas may require a day-use parking permit
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When to Go

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.

Spring
April-June · 6-14°C
Wildflowers on coastal bluffs, crisp mornings-good for hiking.
Summer
July-September · 12-20°C
Warmer days and calmer seas; busiest season for beach access.
Autumn/Winter
October-March · 6-12°C
Storm-watching season; dramatic surf but cooler, windier conditions.

Weather & Climate near Oswald West State Park

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 3° - 10° 3° 353 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
February - 3° - 11° 4° 284 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
March - 3° - 11° 4° 257 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
April - 3° - 12° 5° 176 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
May - 6° - 15° 8° 117 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
June - 8° - 16° 12° 88 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
July - 9° - 18° 14° 44 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
August - 9° - 19° 14° 44 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
September - 8° - 19° 13° 98 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
October - 6° - 16° 11° 193 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
November - 4° - 12° 5° 360 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
December - 3° - 10° 3° 377 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.