Oregon Coast
My brother, Ben, and I set off for some hiking along the Oregon Coast, but our original destination was closed. We decided to explore some alternative options, stumbling upon Hug Point and Oswald West state park. Both are between Cannon Beach and Manzanita.
Hug Point State Recreation Area
Hug Point, 8 miles south of Cannon Beach, features a sandy beach, a seasonal waterfall, and caves to explore at low tide. Unfortunately, we arrived at high tide.
The beach was picturesque; a rocky shore surrounded by cliffs but we weren’t able to reach the good stuff.
Steps lead to the beach and walking on the rocks was slow. We crossed a stream of water by stepping on a plank of wood that was placed conveniently across the narrowest part.
Oswald West State Park
After trekking from one end of the beach to the other, we drove another 6 miles south to Oswald West State Park.
The wooded path along Short Sand Creek features ferns and old growth, moss-covered trees.
Upper Short Sand Creek Trail
A sign on the path presents two options. The first, Upper Short Sand Creek trail, is a short, loop trail. We crossed a bridge, met Bigfoot’s tree cousin, arms outstretched to welcome us, and noticed several picnic tables along the way.
Short Sand Beach Trail
The loop took us back to the highway, so we returned to the parking lot and took option two, the Short Sand Beach trail.
The trail is easy and well-maintained. No climbing cliffs or crawling under rocks today.
The most interesting things about our hike were the unusual trees and the fog.
Some of the trees are gnarled like sinister statues. Others have fused together, making odd shapes and sizes.
I also noticed a lot of unusual root patterns.
Sunshine and fog intertwined, highlighting the many shades of green and glistening spiderwebs.
Short Sand Beach, when it came into view, was beautiful. The blue water and white frothy waves were gleaming in the sun, yet Cape Falcon was shrouded in fog.
I stood there for a few minutes, soaking up the sight and sound of the ocean. Even in Oregon, where it is rarely warm enough to swim, the negative ions lift my spirits and I feel refreshed.
One person was in the water when we got there, but he was wearing a wetsuit. Another ran past us wearing a bikini top and a towel, her dripping hair evidence that she had braved the cold.
The trail we took was also a popular doggy destination. We saw more than a dozen happy canine hikers, posing for pictures, tails wagging.
Cape Falcon Marine Reserve
Oswald West State Park is called “the gateway to the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve.” The reserve covers 20 square miles of ocean and was created to protect marine animals and their habitats. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and harbor seals are several that are mentioned on signs in the area.
Watershed
Short Sand Creek is part of the watershed that carries rain and snow melt over 20 miles to the marine reserve. The rushing water sounded like a waterfall, even though it wasn’t running high. I can only imagine how it looks in the spring as melting snow enters the watershed!
The trails along the Oregon coast are always visually pleasing and bursting with life. Oswald West is no exception. The trail continues to Falcon Cape and beyond, so there is no limit to how many miles you hike.
In the summertime, you can take a picnic and have a refreshing plunge in the brisk ocean water.
Heading Home
On the way home, along highway 26, we stopped at the Sunset Coffee kiosk for a beverage. A small drive-through with a surprisingly thorough menu, my family and I have been stopping there for years. It’s become a tradition.
Today we made an extra stop at a Jerky store. We bought a small package of jerky, but were more interested in their selection of Pepperheads Jam. We got two small jars to try: Apricot with Attitude and Cherry Bomb. Sweet fruit and habanero peppers. Sounds great!
Some Links you might enjoy:
Loved it Alice. Keep up the awesome work. I imagine a lot of people would love to so the country side through you eyes. Sis
Thanks, Gayla!
These trees! They give me the Mumpa vibes 😀 Also, those picnic areas are absolutely breathtaking. I’d love to monch on a borgar there 🙂 All in great company, of course!
The trees were fascinating! I had too many pictures to post.
Alice, you capture the beauty of the Oregon coast SO WELL! I love the sunlight streaming through the trees and fog….almost expect to see little faeries in the background. What a beautiful hike!
Thanks, Leona! I’ll have to keep an eye out for the faeries! 🙂