There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s beaches. Low tide is the best time for beachcombing, clamming, tide pools and cave exploration.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to beaches and always keep an eye on the water level. Use extreme caution in rocky areas near the water, where sneaker waves can (and do) strike.
The tide tables below refer to NOAA’s Tides and Currents for each area. Click the location nearest you for a tide chart showing daily high and low tide times. Feel free to bookmark this page for future reference.
Also ask at state park offices, local visitor information centers and many stores and hotels for a free tide table booklet.
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Oregon Coast Tide Pools
The Oregon Coast has hundreds of miles of rocky shoreline dotted with tidal pools to explore. Tide pools are shallow areas of seawater left behind when the tide goes out (low tide). They are found in rocky intertidal zones, or parts of the shoreline that are exposed to the air during low tide and submerged during high tide.
These pools are a colorful sea garden full of cool creatures to observe at low tide. It’s a fun beach activity for curious kids and adults alike, and a great opportunity to learn about marine life while exploring the beach.
Where are the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast? We’ve compiled a complete Oregon Tide Pools Guide including a list and map of tide pool areas and how to explore tide pools safely.
Best Beaches in Oregon
Find a new favorite beach on the Oregon Coast with our beach guides. Explore all of the beaches in Oregon from the northern to central and southern coast regions.
👉 Explore the best Oregon beaches.
What are King Tides?
King tide is a term often used to describe exceptionally high tides or the highest tides of the year that occur with the full moon in winter. The lowest tides of summer are often referred to as minus tides. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
King tides (also called perigean spring tides) occur when the moon is new or full and is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. When the sun and moon are closest to Earth, their gravitational pull is stronger, resulting in higher tides.
When are king tides on the Oregon Coast? To find out when the next king tides will occur on the Oregon Coast, see our guide to king tides and storm watching.
Weather at the Oregon Coast
Be sure to check the weather before heading out to beaches or any outdoor activity to avoid getting caught in a storm. We include the current weather conditions for towns on the Oregon Coast on each individual town’s page. See Oregon Coast Weather for more about the best time to visit and general weather patterns year-round.
The beaches are usually breezy and cool, so it’s a good idea to wear layers and bring rain gear. Find out what to wear to the Oregon Coast and download a free packing list.
Search for your travel dates to find the latest deals on beach hotels and book in advance for the best options.
Feel free to bookmark this page or pin it for future reference whenever you need to check the tides!
