Oswald West State Park, August 14th. A Lifestyle report… Catching a wave is growing in popularity on the Oregon Coast. One spot drawing surfers is just 10 miles south of Cannon Beach: Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park. Beach access from Highway 101 is about a  half-mile hike down a trail lined with old-growth timber, but surfers happily make the trek to the beautiful cove.

A Short Sands Beach Summer Surfer rides in.

It’s an aquatic scene open to all skill levels. Most of the surf comes from groundswells and the best swell direction is from the southwest. The beach break offers both left and right hand waves. A fairly popular wave can get crowded but according to surfers, “The vibe is generally friendly.”

The temperature of the water, even in August rarely rises above 58-degrees, so wetsuits are a necessity.

Urban legend claims pirate treasure is buried in the area, nicknamed Smugglers Cove.

All of the trails to the beach are through a mature forest; one trail follows the winding path of the Short Sands creek. This trail gives way to the spectacular view of the creek meeting the Pacific Ocean.

The park has adjacent to the beach has amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.

Summers find hundreds enjoying the beach.

Dogs are welcome in Oswald West State Park.

After a good rain, there’s even a waterfall on the northern end of the cove.

It’s a picture perfect place to spend a day.

Here’s more information from the Oregon State Parks Website Link: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_195.php

Here’s some video to get you in the mood shot in July with GoPro Hero2 on a mount at the nose of the board.

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