N. Oregon Coast's Dangerous Short Beach (by Oceanside) Slowly Getting a New Stairway

Published 08/05/25 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) – It has been called the “Stairway of a Thousand Steps” and probably a few other things by tired-out tourists forced to climb up and down its length. Mostly though, it's been known as a really good idea, since the alternative was an extremely slippery and steep incline where visitors were constantly getting hurt. (Photo Trevor Bradford)

These days, the crazy-long stairway at Short Beach next to the north Oregon coast's Oceanside has had the nickname “the Great Worm of Arrakis” (after Frank Herbert's bok). That's because the walkway to the snug little hidden spot is getting replaced: those working on the much-needed remodel have given it that moniker.

Short Beach, Near Oceanside

That title came from Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), which is rather silently behind much of the work on trails in the state. They and Oceanside Action Partnership (OAP) are some of the key players in the stairway replacement, which is finally getting some backing after the stairs went kind of wonky in recent years.

“A few years ago the trail was formally closed and labeled 'use at your own risk,' “ said Bruce Jaeger with the OAP.

TKO's Trevor Bradford recently touted the work on social. He's been crew leader a lot and recently “led the charge” as a host of volunteers tore up and then replaced major parts of the Short Beach stair system.

Photo Trevor Bradford - TKO

Two squads were created: one to demolish and the other to build. They've been using a zipline to bring in materials and haul them outward.

“Wielding the sledgehammer like an HGTV person was pretty awesome,” TKO said on social.

There's no estimate on completion time so you may find the little gem behind Oceanside a little easy to walk for awhile.

The original walkway back in 2004 (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Recently, OAP and others worked on solutions with the Tillamook County Visitors Association, helping to come up with what they called the Community Investment Plan.

“This plan identified our top priorities and groups were formed around each priority,” Jaeger said. “During these meetings the Short Beach Rebuild was ranked as a top priority.”

Tillamook County Public Works was in on the grant writing, and the partners in all this included Oregon State Parks, TCVA, TKO, Netarts WEBS, Netarts Oceanside Fire Protection District, and Oceanside residents.

“Additional project support has come from Oregon State Research Center and US Fish and Wildlife,” Jaeger said. “The county and State Parks have been providing the materials. OAP and Trailkeepers of Oregon have been managing the volunteers. TKO created the new design with approval from the other partners.”

Short Beach is right up against Cape Meares - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Back around 2000, locals felt compelled to get together and fix the only entrance to Short Beach, which wasn't even an entrance as much as a cliff with a spot or two that was somewhat climable. That translated to simply a very steep chunk of trail that was easily made slippery as hell. Tourists were getting injured all the time.

It truly was harrowing – as some at Oregon Coast Beach Connection can attest to.

“Local verbal history is the trail was completed by a small group of volunteers 25 years ago,” Jaeger said. “They used whatever materials they had available and donated to complete the project.”

The result was a leg cramp-inducer, but a much safer route in and out. The stairway was also aesthetically pleasing and blended exceptionally well with the lush, green surroundings. There were a couple of platform areas to rest a bit and take in the view.

They are approaching the halfway point on the project, Jaeger added, also noting that volunteers are having a ball putting this together..

“The county collects and disposes all our debris,” Jaeger said. “To date we have had 17 work parties, averaging 7 volunteers each, logging in over 400 community hours.”

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