Short Beach Stairs Rework Complete, Making That Oregon Coast Access Safe Again

Published 10/23/25 at 5:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) - A long-awaited safety upgrade at Short Beach on the north Oregon coast is now complete. The hidden little wonder between Cape Meares and Oceanside had nothing but a treacherous slope for an entrance until about 2000. Now, that access has its own second wind, once more transformed into a safe, accessible stairway featuring 122 steps, a new handrail, retaining wall, and benches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (Photo courtesy TKO)

“We finished the stairs - 121 in all. It’s been an immense effort, but the results are worth it,” said crew leader Tom Brauner.

Short Beach (Access #30A) on the Oregon coastline.

The original trail was formally closed several years ago after the aging stairway began to fail. Bruce Jaeger of Oceanside Action Partnership recalled the hazards.

“We’ve had people slipping, falling, and getting injured. It was clear something had to be done,” he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

Construction involved two specialized crews - one for demolition and one for rebuilding - who used a zipline system to transport materials in and out of the steep site. One volunteer described the experience as “like being on an HGTV episode, but with more mud and fewer camera crews.”

The original stairs were built around 2000 by a small group of volunteers using donated materials.

“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.”

For years, the only access to Short Beach resembled a cliff more than a trail, with slippery, steep terrain that routinely led to injuries.

Courtesy Bruce Jaeger

“It truly was harrowing,” noted contributors from Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

25 years later, wear and tear required a replacement.

The new stairway not only improves safety but also blends seamlessly with the surrounding greens and beach vibes. Rest platforms offer up vast scenic views and a chance to catch your breath on the way down.

The project was a collaborative success, said local authorities, led by Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), Oceanside Action Partnership, Tillamook County Public Works, Netarts WEBS, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, and the Netarts–Oceanside Fire District. More than 1,700 volunteer hours were logged by over 100 individuals - roughly half from the local community and half from TKO.

“A huge thank-you to every volunteer, partner, and agency that helped bring this coastal treasure back to life. Together, we’re proving what’s possible when Oregon communities come together to care for the places we love,” said TKO's Trevor Bradford.

According to Jaeger, “This project represents a remarkable collaboration between community volunteers and agency partners. The total resource, design, and materials cost was generously funded by the area's Tillamook County partners.”

Project milestones include:
- Concept development began: December 11, 2023
- Materials prep-work began: May 15, 2025
- Trailwork completed: October 18, 2025
- Total work sessions: 38
- Final build: 122 steps, 4 benches, and 4 platforms

Trailkeepers of Oregon will launch its Legacy Builders fundraiser on November 1 to support future projects across the state - from the Coast to the Cascades.

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