When I’m in Rockaway Beach, these are the walks I can’t resist. They’re easy, peaceful, and each one holds a little bit of that Oregon coast magic—whether it’s a hidden waterfall, a giant old cedar, or just the sound of waves at the end of a short trail.

“Beyond Rockaway’s main beach, my go-to is Short Sand Beach—it’s a gem. I’d love to hear which spot becomes your favorite.” Karla

These hikes are brief enough to tuck into a morning or an afternoon. They add texture—forest, water, coastline, quirky trees—without forcing bulky time commitments.

Munson Creek Falls Trail
A ¼‑mile, flat path through old‑growth forest leading to the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range—Munson Creek Falls drops 319 feet in tiers. Compact, verdant, and delivers without fuzz . Avenza Maps+11Rockaway Beach+11AllTrails.com+11

“Shorty’s” aka Short Sand Beach Walk (Oswald West State Park)
Locals call it “Shorty’s”—a half‑mile stroll winding under Hwy 101 and through lush woods to a tucked‑away beach. Simple, atmospheric, and not your typical tourist churn. Rockaway Beach

Cape Meares Short Hike (Octopus Tree & Lighthouse)
Just a hop north, Cape Meares offers a short picturesque loop—or out‑and‑back—from the parking area to the majestic Octopus Tree and lighthouse viewpoints. Nature and history wound together.Wikipedia+2The Outbound+2

Bayocean Dike Road (Bayocean Peninsula Park)
More like a leisurely walk than a hike: an old unpaved pathway stretching roughly 4 miles along the Tillamook Bay peninsula. Open, forgiving terrain—with birds and elbow‑room. The Outbound

Rockaway Big Tree Trail
In some beach towns, boardwalks lead to fried food and carnival games. At Rockaway Beach, the boardwalk leads to an enormous tree.

Colloquially known as the Rockaway Big Tree, the western red cedar is Huge.   It’s found inside the 46-acre Rockaway Beach Old Growth Cedar Preserve, a swampy patch of land where skunk cabbage grows prolifically, sporting chunky yellow flowers in spring.