By Julie Knapp for the Mother Nature Network

Short Sands Beach: Oswald West State Park

Many trails lead to the beach in Oswald West State Park, and they all wind through an amazing forest of towering mature trees. Expect to see surfers toting their boards to the waves.

The beach is tucked away in a cove and surrounded by mountains, which makes it feel secluded from the rest of the world. Visitors can also access a 13-mile stretch of the Oregon Coast Trail from this beach.

Check out all the eco-friendly beaches that made the list http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/07/17/ecofriendly.beaches/

More About Oswald West State Park:

Oswald West State Park is just 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. Once you arrive you will step out of your vehicle and into a place with natural beauty that truly inspires. Just a quarter mile from any of the parking areas to the beach, yet the rigors of everyday life are stripped away by the time your feet hit the sand.

Although the walk is short, there are several different trails to the beach and lead you to the Cape Falcon overlook or to the Oregon Coast Trail. Be sure to pick up a map on the way into the park. 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 ocean and the creek meeting. This is your first glimpse of the ocean and Short Sands beach.

The beach is nestled in a cove that provides you with a feeling of total privacy. Popular with surfboarders and boogie boarders, the beach is always alive with activity. Surrounded by the mountains, the beach at Oswald West gives you a sense of being transported away from the trials of everyday life. Lose yourself...