The third and final round of king tides of the season is happening this weekend on the Oregon coast. If you're headed out to see them, here's what you need to know.
The final king tides of the season are making a dramatic return to the Oregon Coast from January 11-13, promising towering waves and breathtaking views, but also bringing some serious hazards along with the spectacle. If you've never gone out to see the king tide before, (or even if you have), we've got you covered with everything you need to know about king tides and how to view them safely.
What Are King Tides And Are They Dangerous?
King tides happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align in a way that maximizes gravitational pull on the ocean, leading to extreme high tides. These rare tidal surges can create dramatic flooding, erosion, and powerful waves along the coastline. This weekend marks the third and final round of the season, and coastal areas could see both stunning ocean swells and hazardous conditions.
The U.S. Coast Guard urges extra caution, as king tides often pair with sneaker waves, which are notorious for their unpredictability. These sudden, oversized waves can surge far higher than normal and catch people off guard, potentially sweeping beachgoers into the frigid Pacific. Adding to the danger, sneaker waves can also send large logs rolling onshore, turning them into dangerous projectiles.
Back in November of 2024, a woman was nearly swept out to sea during king tides, underscoring how risky these extreme tides can be. While the tides and waves themselves are powerful and can drag a person quickly underwater, many don't realize that when this happens, any person caught in the waves will be tossed around with sand, which can get caught in their clothing and shoes and weigh them down, making it hard for them to stand up or for others to help them.
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How To View King Tides Safely In Oregon
For those hoping to safely witness this natural phenomenon, several Oregon Coast viewpoints offer spectacular vantage points from a safe distance. Top spots include Silver Point Interpretive Overlook, Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center, Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, Devil’s Punch Bowl, Yachats State Park, Thor’s Well, and Harris Beach State Park.
Safety Tip: Staying elevated and back from the shoreline is key to enjoying the views safely. Beaches and jetties are not safe during storms and king tides and are the worst places to watch from.
Documenting The Impact Of King Tides On Coastal Communities
The Oregon King Tides Project encourages people to help document these extreme tides by submitting photos of impacted areas.
Capturing images of flooding, erosion, and high water levels can assist researchers in tracking long-term coastal changes and help communities better prepare for rising sea levels.
Sea level rise is expected to increase the frequency and impact of extreme high tides in the coming decades, making events like this weekend’s king tides even more significant for coastal science and public awareness. Learn more about the Oregon King Tides Project here.
Safety Tip: If storm watching is on the agenda, staying safe should be the top priority. Avoid walking on jetties, standing too close to the surf or cliffs, or venturing onto driftwood, as logs can shift unexpectedly. Always keep an eye on the waves, never turn your back on the ocean, and aim for elevated viewpoints instead of low-lying beaches.
The king tides that hit Oregon's coast are both awe-inspiring and sobering, a powerful reminder of nature’s force and the changing dynamics of Oregon’s coastline. Whether snapping photos for the King Tides Project or simply soaking in the views, this weekend offers a rare chance to witness the ocean at its most powerful—just be sure to do it safely.
Please Note: Exploring the coast, and watching king tides or high surf are at-your-own-risk activities.
