Oswald West State Park is a public state park in Oregon near Manzanita. Spanning 2,448 acres and established in 1958, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Manzanita |
| Park Size | 2,448 acres |
| Established | 1958 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 (2000 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Oswald West State Park is located near Manzanita, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.7697, -123.9597.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Oswald West State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Oswald West State Park — named for the visionary governor who in 1913 preserved all Oregon beaches as public highways — protects 2,484 acres of ancient old-growth Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir along the dramatic Neahkahnie Mountain coastline. The park’s Short Sands Beach (Shorty’s) is Oregon’s premier surfing destination. The old-growth forest here is among the most pristine on the Oregon coast — some Sitka spruce exceed 300 years old and 200 feet tall. Neahkahnie Mountain (1,631 feet) — rising directly from the ocean — is wrapped in legends of buried Spanish treasure from a shipwreck. Northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets inhabit the ancient canopy. Roosevelt elk, black bears, and mountain beavers (primitive rodents unrelated to true beavers) use the park.
Nearby Attractions
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock are minutes north. Manzanita — a quiet, laid-back beach village — offers a 7-mile sandy beach. Nehalem Bay State Park provides camping and bay access. Wheeler on Nehalem Bay has waterfront dining and kayak rentals. Tillamook Creamery — Oregon’s most visited attraction — is 20 minutes south. Hug Point preserves the historic stagecoach route carved into coastal rock. Ecola State Park offers Indian Beach and headland hiking with Lewis & Clark history.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Hug Point State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Oswald West State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Oswald West State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Oswald West State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
