Surf Travel Guide: Short Sands, Oregon

Surf spots rarely come with a forest hike, a suspension bridge and a hidden cove, but Short Sands does. Known to locals as "Shorty's," this protected beach inside Oswald West State Park on the northern Oregon coast is one of the most scenic and most underrated surf spots on the US West Coast. If you are searching for the best surfing in Oregon, a cold-water surf trip from Portland, or a beginner-friendly break with real character, this Short Sands surf travel guide covers the trail, the waves, the season and where to stay.

Why Short Sands?

Short Sands sits in a sheltered cove in Oswald West State Park, about five miles south of Cannon Beach and five miles north of Manzanita, roughly two hours from Portland. The headlands protect it from strong coastal winds, which is one of the main reasons the surf is often cleaner here than at more exposed beaches on the north Oregon coast. It has a sandy bottom, multiple shifting peaks and a scene that ranges from first-timers in summer to experienced locals on winter swells.

→ Because the cove is tucked behind headlands, the wind is often lighter and the surf cleaner than on the open coast.

↳ Even if you are not surfing, it is worth the trip to watch winter surfers among the misty cliffs.

Getting There & Getting Around

The beach is reached on foot, and that is part of the charm.

Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive about two hours west to Oswald West State Park on Highway 101.
→ Park at the main lot along Highway 101 (parking at the park is free) and walk the half-mile trail through Sitka spruce forest, across a wooden suspension bridge, to the beach. Surfers do it with a board under one arm.
↳ Bring a car. You will want to explore Cannon Beach, Arch Cape and Manzanita, and the trail is best done with a light kit.

When to Surf

Summer brings waves of about 1 to 5 feet, which draws beginners and intermediates, while winter swells average around 10 feet or more depending on the storm and bring out the experienced surfers. The water stays cold all year. A 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit with booties may be enough in summer, but from fall through spring plan on a hooded 5/4 with boots and gloves. Check tide, wind and swell before you head down the trail, because conditions change quickly on the north Oregon coast.

Short Sands is inside the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, so removing shellfish, seaweed and other wildlife from the intertidal area is prohibited.

Surf Breaks

Short Sands Beach ("Shorty's"): A sandy-bottom cove with multiple shifting peaks, so there are usually enough waves to go around when it is good.
Wave: Beach break peaks in a protected cove.
Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on the season and swell.
Manzanita Beach: A long stretch of sand about five miles south, under Neahkahnie Mountain, with gentler waves on smaller days.
Wave: Gentle beach break.
Level: Beginner.
Cannon Beach: Five miles north, with its famous Haystack Rock and more open surf when the swell is right.
Wave: Open beach break.
Level: Beginner to intermediate.

SurfLife Surf School teaches at Short Sands and runs lessons focused on cold-water conditions.

Photographing Short Sands

The forest, basalt headlands and misty light make Short Sands one of the most photogenic surf spots on the coast. The Cape Falcon trail gives you an elevated view of the cove, and the beach itself is a good place to shoot on winter mornings. If you end up with a card full of good frames, upload the session to Surf Snaps as a shoppable gallery. And if you are the one who was surfing, search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date to find your photos.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Manzanita and Cannon Beach are the closest bases, each about 20 minutes away. Prices are approximate 2026 listings and rise in summer.

Budget ($)

Manzanita hotels and inns (from about $110 to $130 USD per night)
Manzanita has a limited number of rooms, but listings start around $110 to $130. The Inn at Manzanita is pet-friendly, has fireplaces and is a two minute walk from the beach.

Mid-Range ($$)

Ecola Creek Lodge, Cannon Beach (from about $155 USD per night)
A comfortable base in Cannon Beach, a short drive from Oswald West State Park.

Luxury ($$$)

Inn at Cannon Beach (from about $290 USD per night)
A garden-style inn a block from the beach, with gas fireplaces, balconies and freshly baked cookies each afternoon.

Food & Drink

Local Beer: Pelican Brewing, Cannon Beach
→ Craft beer and pub food with ocean views, a natural stop after a cold session. Public Coast Brewing Co. is a good alternative for live music.
Local Brews in Manzanita: Manzanita Beach Tavern
→ A laid-back spot for local beers and a friendly crowd.
Picnic: Bring lunch
→ Short Sands is a great place to spread out a picnic before or after a session.

FAQ: Surfing at Short Sands

Where is Short Sands Beach?

It is inside Oswald West State Park in Arch Cape, Oregon, about five miles south of Cannon Beach and five miles north of Manzanita.

How do I get to Short Sands Beach?

Park at the main lot along Highway 101 and walk the half-mile trail through the forest and across a suspension bridge to the beach.

When is the best time to surf Short Sands?

Summer offers small waves for beginners, while winter brings much bigger swells for experienced surfers. Fall and winter bring the best waves but the coldest conditions.

What wetsuit do I need at Short Sands?

A 3/2 or 4/3 with booties may work in summer, but a hooded 5/4 with boots and gloves is recommended for colder months.

Where can I find photos of my Short Sands session?

Search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date on the explore page to find galleries from the day you surfed.

More Underrated Surf and Kitesurf Spots

Keep exploring with the rest of this series and our other surf travel guides.