The Oregon Coast’s famed king tides will return for the third and final time this winter on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The nonscientific term refers to the highest winter tides of the year, when beaches can become covered and waves explode off seawalls, cliffs and rocks.
The tides lure people to the coast, especially storm watchers and photographers, said Dan Hagg, director of trails and outdoor recreation for Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. Beachcombers often love exploring the sand after the high tides, because of the extra ocean treasures that wash up.
But it’s also a moment of increased danger, especially on a weekend when some may be unaware of the ocean’s power.
Here’s what 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 overlook beyond.
King tides occur when the moon’s orbit comes closest to the earth, the earth’s orbit is closest to the sun, and the sun, moon and earth are in direct alignment, thereby increasing their gravitational influence on the tides, Hagg said.
Will king tides in Oregon return?
Yes, however the dates for returning king tides during the 2025-2026 winter season have yet to be determined.
How can I watch king tides safely in Oregon?
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, that manages the coastal beach, had two primary suggests for watching the tides safely.
1: Watch from a distance. Look for locations well above the action and away from cliff edges. Don’t let the parking lot fool you. Just because it seems relatively safe, it doesn’t mean the nearby trails and beaches are safe. Avoid being on the beach during a storm or king tides. Jetties are not a safe place to watch.
2: Mind fences and safety barriers. Respect all fences, cones, caution tape and other safety barriers. Park rangers carefully plan trails and install fences and barricades to keep visitors safely away from crumbling cliff edges, unstable hillsides and dangerous trail hazards. Crossing barricades and venturing near cliff edges puts you in danger of slipping and falling down cliffs, even in the best of weather.
Where are good places to watch king tides on the Oregon Coast?
Photographers lineup shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend king tides event on the Oregon Coast in November 2022.
OPRD had the following suggestion for places to watch king tides.
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Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint features 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, watch waves crash from Cape Ferrelo viewpoint (U.S. Highway 101, milepost 351.9) in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor north of Brookings. Harris Beach State Park is also a good bet.
OPRD didn’t specifically call these places out, but they are popular for viewing king tides:
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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
Searching for treasure after the king tides in Oregon
When the king tides roll back and it’s safe to explore the beach again, a bonanza of ocean treasure can often be found. Agates, shells, petrified wood and other treasures are washed onto the beach by the powerful tides.
OPRD again warned visitors to be cautious.
“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, spokeswoman for OPRD. “But don’t be fooled by the calm seas. Driftwood piles are always unsteady and particularly after a storm. Trails you used yesterday may be washed out or degraded.”
King tides can swallow up Oregon Coast beaches, as seen here in the Nye Beach area of Newport. But once the water recedes, lots of treasure can be found there.
How to participate in the King Tides Project?
Visit oregonkingtides.net and read this story for more information.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon Coast king tides return for final time this winter