Updated: February 11, 2024
Update: King tide season is over for now! We’ll update this page when we have the dates for the Winter 2024-2025 season.
It’s that time of year again when the king tides return to the Oregon Coast, bringing rising water levels and potentially big waves.
When the Oregon king tides happen to coincide with a winter storm, you’re in for a spectacular show. Here’s what you need to know about winter storm watching and where to watch king tides on the Oregon Coast, including the winter 2023-2024 Oregon king tide dates schedule and tips for how to storm-watch safely.
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What Are King Tides?
King tide is a term often used to describe exceptionally high tides or the highest tides of the year.
What Causes King 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.
What Happens During a King Tide?
During king tides, the ocean water level rises higher than usual and coastal rivers also swell. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas, especially when king tides are accompanied by a winter storm.
When Are King Tides on the Oregon Coast?
Winter king tides in Oregon will occur 4 times between November 2023 through February 2024.
What Time Is Best for Watching King Tides?
Water levels will be highest during high tide in your area. On king tide dates, check local tide tables at the point nearest you for high and low tide times.
Feel free to bookmark our Oregon Coast Tide Tables page and save it for future reference.
Looking for tide pools? See our Oregon Coast Tide Pools Guide.
Where Are the Best Places for Storm Watching and King Tides on the Oregon Coast?
King tides are visible anywhere along the coastline of Oregon, though rocky shorelines will provide the most dramatic wave action.
Here are some of the most popular spots for winter storm watching and seeing big waves on the Oregon Coast:
North Oregon Coast Storm-Watching Spots
- Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria
- Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park near Cannon Beach
- Seaside Promenade
- Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint near Oceanside
- Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area in Pacific City
Central Oregon Coast Storm-Watching Spots
How to Go Winter Storm Watching and Watch King Tides Safely at the Oregon Coast?
King tides are best witnessed from a distance, especially if they coincide with a winter storm. Check the weather forecast before you attempt to go out. Weather can change quickly at the coast.
Be sure to dress for cold, wet weather with warm layers and a good rain jacket. Find the best waterproof jackets and best waterproof shoes and boots for the Oregon Coast to help you stay warm and dry while you’re out storm-watching.
Keep off jetties and stay off beaches during king tides and storms. Sneaker waves can (and frequently do) trap unsuspecting beachcombers and bring dangerous heavy driftwood logs and debris with them.
Some parking lots and trails may be closed off temporarily, so be sure to heed signs and always stay behind safety fences and guard rails. Stick to designated scenic viewpoints and lookouts where the ocean can be viewed from a safe distance.
Best Oregon Coast Oceanfront Hotels for Winter Storm Watching and King Tides
Of course, a cozy oceanfront hotel with a fireplace is the safest, warmest and driest place to watch the king tides. Make your hotel plans now for the winter storm-watching season.
The following oceanfront Oregon Coast hotels offer some of the best front-row views for winter storm watching and seeing king tides and big waves.
- Seaside – Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn
- Cannon Beach – Surfsand Resort
- Lincoln City – The Coho Oceanfront Lodge
- Depoe Bay – The Inn at Arch Rock
- Newport – The Inn at Nye Beach
- Yachats – Overleaf Lodge and Spa
- Florence – Driftwood Shores Resort
- Brookings – The Beachfront Inn
How You Can Take Part in the Oregon King Tides Project
You can help scientists understand the impact of rising sea levels by taking part in the Oregon King Tides Project. Enter the contest by submitting your photos of key coastal areas to document the tide levels.
You may also be interested in:
💖 Romantic Getaways on the Oregon Coast
👀 Best Oregon Coast Restaurants with a View
🐳 Winter Whale Watching Along the Oregon Coast
Feel free to bookmark this page or pin it and check back for the updated king tide schedule!
