Oregon King Tides: Dates, Safety Tips and Where to Watch

Photo by Ray Bilcliff

The Oregon Coast is impressive any time of year, but winter brings a different kind of spectacle. During king tides season, some of the year’s highest tides push water farther onto beaches, send waves crashing against rocky cliffs and sometimes flood low-lying coastal areas.

It’s a remarkable sight, and watching from a safe coastal overlook is completely free.

The 2026–2027 Oregon king tides season begins in November, with three sets of exceptionally high tides through January. Here’s when to go, where to watch and how to stay safe.

2026–2027 Oregon King Tides Schedule

According to the Oregon King Tides Project, the upcoming king tides dates are:

• November 23–27, 2026
• December 22–26, 2026
• January 20–24, 2027

King tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They occur when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun combines to produce unusually high water levels.

When king tides coincide with winter storms and large ocean swells, the results can be particularly dramatic. However, king tides don’t necessarily mean enormous waves. Weather and surf conditions play a major role in what you’ll see.

What Time Are the King Tides?

The best time to observe king tides is around the day’s predicted high tide, which varies by location.

Before heading to the coast, check the Oregon King Tides Project’s interactive tide map or NOAA’s tide predictions for the location you’re visiting.

Be sure to check coastal weather conditions and any warnings or closures before leaving home.

How to Safely View Oregon King Tides

King tides make for excellent sightseeing, but the ocean’s power is no joke. High water levels and unpredictable waves can make familiar coastal areas dangerous.

The safest way to enjoy king tides is from an elevated viewpoint, well away from the water.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Stay off beaches during dangerous high surf. Areas that look accessible can become flooded or cut off by rising water.
• Choose elevated viewpoints. Stay on designated paths and behind safety barriers, away from cliff edges.
• Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves can arrive unexpectedly and travel much farther up shore than previous waves.
• Avoid jetties, rocks and seawalls exposed to waves. Large waves can sweep people off these surfaces.
• Keep away from driftwood logs and debris. Water can move heavy logs without warning.
• Follow all posted closures and warnings. Coastal conditions can change quickly, especially during winter storms.

For additional guidance, read Oregon State Parks’ beach safety recommendations.

Best Places to Watch King Tides on the Oregon Coast

You don’t need to stand near the surf to appreciate Oregon’s king tides. Many coastal parks, promenades and overlooks offer great views from above.

Here are some places to consider, listed from north to south along the coast. Always evaluate conditions when you arrive, as even normally accessible viewpoints may close during extreme weather.

Seaside Promenade

Seaside’s oceanfront promenade offers a long, paved walkway with views of the Pacific. During unusually high tides, watch how far the water extends across the normally broad beach.

Remain on the elevated promenade only if conditions are safe, and avoid areas where waves or debris reach the walkway.

Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach

Ecola State Park offers sweeping coastal views from high above the water, with forested headlands and dramatic offshore rock formations.

The park’s elevated viewpoints are a good option for watching winter ocean conditions without venturing onto the beach. Check current park access and road conditions before visiting.

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Tillamook

Cape Meares combines ocean views, forested trails and a historic lighthouse. From designated overlooks, visitors can watch winter swells roll toward the rocky shoreline.

Stick to maintained trails and viewpoints, especially when conditions are wet and windy.

Roads End, Lincoln City

Roads End is known for its rugged shoreline and views toward Cascade Head. During king tides, however, the beach itself can become hazardous as the water rises.

If you’re visiting Lincoln City, look for a safe, elevated public vantage point rather than watching from the sand.

Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay is a popular spot for winter wave watching. When large swells roll in, waves can crash against the rocky shoreline and send spray high into the air.

The town’s oceanfront viewing areas offer dramatic scenery, but waves sometimes reach the seawall and nearby sidewalks. Keep your distance and never stand where water is overtopping barriers.

Devil’s Punchbowl, Otter Rock

At Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, waves surge into a large bowl-shaped rock formation along the coast.

The designated viewpoint above the formation provides an excellent place to observe the ocean’s movement. Never attempt to enter the punchbowl or access the beach below during king tides or dangerous surf.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport

Yaquina Head is home to a historic lighthouse, rocky headlands and elevated ocean viewpoints.

It’s a scenic place to watch winter waves from a distance. Stay within designated viewing areas and check for weather-related access restrictions.

Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay

Shore Acres is especially well known for its winter wave displays. Large swells can collide with the rugged sandstone shoreline, sometimes sending spectacular plumes of spray into the air.

The park has designated observation areas, but even elevated locations can become hazardous during severe conditions. Follow all closures and keep well away from exposed edges.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Brookings

Along Oregon’s southern coast, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor features dramatic sea stacks, rugged cliffs and sweeping Pacific views.

Designated roadside overlooks offer opportunities to observe the ocean from above. Avoid narrow trails and exposed viewpoints during strong winds or heavy surf.

Bonus: Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington

If you’re visiting the northern Oregon Coast, consider heading across the Columbia River to Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, Washington.

The park has elevated coastal viewpoints overlooking the Pacific near the mouth of the Columbia River. Check park conditions and closures before visiting.

Cost: Watching king tides is free from publicly accessible viewpoints, although some parks charge day-use parking or entrance fees. Check individual park websites before your trip.

Participate in the Oregon King Tides Project

There’s another reason to head to the coast during king tides season: you can help document changes along Oregon’s shoreline.

The Oregon King Tides Project is a community science effort coordinated by the Oregon Coastal Management Program and Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition.

Volunteers photograph exceptionally high tides to document coastal flooding, erosion and changes to beaches and infrastructure. These photos help researchers and communities understand how rising sea levels may affect Oregon’s coast in the future.

Anyone can participate by taking photographs from a safe location and submitting them to the project.

Go Beachcombing After the King Tides

Once the tides have receded and conditions are safe, the Oregon Coast can be a fun place to go beachcombing.

Winter wave