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Oswald West State Park Introduce

Oswald West State Park is a gem of the Oregon Coast, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the most stunning and rugged coastal scenery in the region. Known for its breathtaking viewpoints, the park provides ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Located in Arch Cape, Oregon, Oswald West State Park features well-maintained trails that lead to picturesque overlooks. The park is particularly popular among visitors seeking outdoor adventures, offering a mix of challenging terrain and serene coastal vistas. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there are trails suitable for all levels of fitness.

One of the standout features of Oswald West State Park is its ability to cater to both small groups and individual travelers. The park's popularity has led to some changes in trail conditions over time, particularly on steeper sections that have become more challenging due to increased foot traffic. However, the stunning views from the viewpoints make the effort worthwhile.

For those planning special events like elopements or small gatherings, Oswald West State Park offers a unique and intimate setting. The park's secluded areas and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets make it an ideal location for such occasions. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure that guests are prepared for the terrain, especially if they have mobility challenges.

Amidst its natural beauty, Oswald West State Park also provides informative displays along its walkways, offering visitors fascinating insights into the local ecosystem and history. These interpretive signs enhance the visitor experience by adding an educational component to the trip.

  • Location: Arch Cape, OR 97102
  • Activities: Hiking, photography, sightseeing
  • Features: Scenic viewpoints, rugged trails, informative displays
  • Accessibility: Suitable for small groups and individual travelers
  • Promotional Information: Ideal for intimate elopements or special events

Visitors to Oswald West State Park often praise its natural beauty and the opportunities it provides for capturing stunning photos. The park's combination of challenging trails and serene coastal views makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. While trail conditions have evolved over time, the park remains a beloved destination for those seeking an adventurous yet rewarding outdoor experience.

Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles while visiting Oswald West State Park to help preserve its natural beauty for future generations. Whether you're here for a day of hiking or planning a special event, Oswald West State Park promises an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of Oregon's stunning coastline.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
2312 reviews
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Sam Starns - Adventure Elopement Photographer
Feb 15, 2025

This place has some of the most rugged and stunning viewpoints on the Oregon Coast, but it has gotten *popular*. Over the past six years, the increase in foot traffic is obvious, and you can see it in the trail conditions. The steeper sections have become more packed down (which means less traction, more feet slipping) and wider, making them a little trickier to navigate. If you’re planning an elopement here with a small group (we're talking no more than half a dozen, to be comfortable with crowding at such exposed viewpoints), make. sure. your. guests. are. mobile. The walk from the viewpoints back to the car is only about 10-15 minutes, but if someone has bad knees or a hip replacement, it could easily take closer to 45 minutes. That said, it’s still an incredible place for an intimate elopement, especially at sunrise or sunset. The views are worth the effort. Just be mindful of the changing trail conditions and follow Leave No Trace.

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Ric Wallace
Dec 27, 2024

These turnout parks are on the west side of the highway, but you can enter them when traveling north! Be careful crossing the traffic! What I love about these turnouts, besides the obviously stunning view, are the information and description displays along the walkway. So much fascinating information in those things!

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Kim Arnold
Jul 29, 2024

This is a beautiful state park . The trails we walked were well marked. The old growth forest was beautiful , full of huge ferns and evergreens. Short Sand Beach was also a treat. Lots of good waves so it was fun to watch the surfers and also a great place to walk our dog. We will bring chairs next time so we can spend the day .

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S Root
Aug 14, 2024

Highly recommend devil's cauldron hike. Only about a half mile walk to viewpoint from Elk Flats trailhead. Take fork to the left shortly after starting Elk Flats trail. We did not see any signs for devils cauldron. Small parking lot at trailhead.

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Misha Smith
Aug 13, 2024

We were so grateful to be able to drive through this forest every single day to get to our cabin at Arch Cape. So we decided to stop and get out and explore and we found the hug tree and many burrows for small critters the drive from the highway to the beach was so beautiful. I hope this land stays the way it is.