The Oregon Coast’s famous king tides return for the second time this season on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The non-scientific term refers to the highest winter tides of the year, when beaches can become covered and waves explode off sea walls, cliffs and rocks.
The tides draw people to the coast, especially storm watchers and photographers, said Dan Hagg, director of trails and outdoor recreation for the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. Beachcombers often enjoy exploring the sand after high tide for the additional ocean treasures that wash up.
But it is also a moment of greater danger, especially on a weekend when some may be unaware of the ocean’s power.
Here’s what you need to know about the king tides.
What Causes King Tides in Oregon?
Waves crash on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon coast during a King Tide event in January 2023 as spectators watch from the vista beyond.
King tides occur when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth, Earth’s orbit is closest to the sun, and the sun, moon and Earth are in direct line, increasing their gravitational influence on the tides, said Hagg.
When will king tides occur in Oregon this year?
The dates of the remaining king tides are this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and January 11-13.
How can I safely view the tides in Oregon?
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the coastal beach, had two main suggestions for safe tide watching.
1: Watch from a distance. Look for locations well above the action and away from cliff edges. Don’t be fooled by the parking lot. Just because it seems relatively safe doesn’t mean the nearby trails and beaches are safe. Make sure you are not on the beach during storms or high tides. Scaffolding is not a safe place to look at.
2: Pay attention to fences and security barriers. Respect all fences, cones, caution tape and other safety barriers. Park rangers carefully plan the trails and install fences and barricades to keep visitors safely away from crumbling cliff edges, unstable slopes, and dangerous trail hazards. When crossing barricades and near cliff edges, you are in danger of slipping and falling off cliffs, even in good weather.
Where are good places to watch the tides on the Oregon Coast?
Photographers line up shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend King Tids event on the Oregon coast in November 2022.
OPRD had the following suggestion for places to view the tides.
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Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint offers breathtaking views from 500 feet above the ocean.
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Yachats State Park has a large viewing platform with expansive ocean views.
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Near Brookings, you can watch waves crashing from the Cape Ferrelo lookout (US Highway 101, milepost 351.9) in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor north of Brookings. Harris Beach State Park is also a good bet.
OPRD did not specifically mention these places, but they are popular for tide viewing:
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North Coast: Graveyard of the Pacific, Haystack Rock and the Promenade at Seaside
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Central Coast: The Spouting Horn, Seal Rock, Depoe Bay
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South Coast: Shore Acres State Park
Looking for treasure after the king tides in Oregon
When the tides turn and it is safe to explore the beach again, an abundance of ocean treasures can often be found. Agate, shells, petrified wood and other treasures are washed onto the beach by the powerful tides.
OPRD again warned visitors to be careful.
“One of the best times to explore the beach is just after a storm, when the waves have washed up new ocean treasures,” said Stefanie Knowlton, OPRD spokeswoman. “But don’t be fooled by the calm sea. Driftwood poles are always unstable, especially after a storm. Paths you used yesterday may be faded or deteriorated.”
King tides can swallow up the beaches of the Oregon Coast, as seen here in the Nye Beach area of Newport. But once the water recedes, there are many treasures to be found.
How do you participate in the King Tides Project?
Visit oregonkingtides.net and read this story for more information.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and hosts the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him at X at @ZachsORoutdoors.
This article originally appeared in Salem Statesman Journal: How to see king times along the Oregon coast this weekend
