Surfing and Bodyboarding

Know Before You Go

Cannon Beach enjoys a busy surfing scene and is one of the most convenient places on the Oregon Coast to learn to surf, as well as to access the best beaches for surfing. Summer months are generally ideal for beginners to learn in with much smaller swell conditions. Cannon Beach lifeguards are on the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. If you want to surf along Cannon Beach and Tolovana, talk to the lifeguards for the recommended area to safely surf.

Much of the Oregon Coast is preserved through the state's massive state park system. Ecola and Oswald West State Parks are two of the most popular surfing areas with Indian Beach and Short Sands Beach just minutes drive from Cannon Beach.

All surfers and visitors should take necessary precautions, especially when visiting more remote beaches in the area. Tides, swell and wind conditions create an ever changing dynamic environment. Always know the tides when you are on Oregon beaches. Be aware that tidal change can happen quickly on the North Coast. Check out the local tide tables each day of your visit.

Ecola State Park Indian Beach

Surfing Level: All levels depending on the season. Keep in mind summer months typically are smaller and safer for beginner surfers to learn in. Winter swells are big and create dangerous long shore and rip currents in the ocean.
Considerations: Kayakers, lots of surfers and visitors especially in summer months, high rate of Coast Guard rescues in large winter surf, and a riptide on the North end of the beach at bottom of the trail to beach.
Access: Just north of Cannon Beach, follow signs to Ecola State Park. Continue past the Ecola park turnoff to Indian Beach. There is a $5 day use fee.
Facilities: Bathrooms, covered picnic area and benches.

Oswald West State Park, aka Short Sands Beach

Surfing Level: All levels depending on the season. Keep in mind summer months typically are smaller and safer for beginner surfers to learn in. Winter swells are big and create dangerous long shore and rip currents in the ocean.
Considerations: Lots of beginner surfers, most popular surfing beach on the Oregon Coast so expect high demand for parking and trail use.
Access: 10 miles south of Cannon Beach. Three paved parking lots off Hwy 101. The East middle lot is closest to the trailhead; next to the bathrooms. Limited space for RVs. Don't leave valuables in your car.
Facilities: Bathrooms at top and bottom of trail, picnic tables, benches, water fountains and faucets to wash feet.