Cape Falcon overlooks the secluded Short Sands Beach south of Cannon Beach in Oswald West State Park along the Oregon Coast.
| Location | Oswald West State Park, Oregon Coast |
| Date | 11/29/25 |
| Team | Lance - Solo |
| Activity | Hiking, photography |
| Stats | ~8 or 9 (I forgot my Garmin!) |
| Conditions | Low 50°s. Wet, muddy, slippery trail |
Map
The trail I wanted to follow was closed - bridge seems to be missing and I couldn't find a quick way to get across.
But the view here is so incredible... I had no choice but to follow another path.
Elk
Late in the day I saw two female elk grazing on some plants in the forest.
Drone Views From The Cape
I took a moment to capture some higher up scenes.
Amazing Views
360° Vids - First Person Perspectives!
Scenic overlook with a view of Smuggler's Cove and Short Sand Beach
Blumenthal Falls - Hidden Along Cape Falcon Trail
Pretty cool waterfall, hidden off the trail a few feet. There are actually two here - one you can see, flows over the edge of a cliff to the beach below.
Short Sand Beach - Secluded Beach
Hidden within Smuglers Cove, this beach is popular among local surfers. Any time of year you can see surfers waiting for the next good wave.
How can you NOT take good photos of the beach???
Video
Story
Ok. Left the house around 8am (Washougal, WA) and drove to Astoria. Warrenton Fred Meyers to be specific. Had to charge the car.
Left there and headed south around 10am. Once I arrived at Oswald West (parked in the North lot) I realized I left my Garmin at home (Fenix watch tracks all my stats).
So, I went up the familiar Cape Falcon trail. My phone app was not tracking well, so I had to estimate my mileage when I got home.
Trail was muddy, wet, and slick. I nearly made the entire day without slipping... near the end my feet flew out from under me. No injuries, but I had mud in many places I would have liked to avoid.
On the way back it started getting dark. I dug out my flashlights and had them ready - though I made it back without needing them.
I saw a couple Elk in the forest on my return. I'm not sure I've ever seen them in person before... they are huge!
Back at the car I changed into my pajamas, clean socks, and clean shoes for the long drive home. Thanks to some advice from a friend, I learned to bring a comfortable change of clothes for the end of my hike.
Got home around 8pm after running through the Taco Bell drive through.
And that was my Saturday this week.
Trail Gallery
Add gallery of photos here.
... and that's it for this one!
