How to catch the next King Tides along the Oregon Coast

Chris Pietsch, Register-Guard
·2 min read

It is said that time and tide wait for no one.

But, for the prepared — or the lucky — Mother Nature offers a visual feast along the Oregon Coast this winter with the arrival of the King Tides.

The term is a popular, non-scientific name for an exceptionally high tide that usually occurs during a full moon or new moon. The pull of the moon and sun, combined with off shore storms, can result in a spectacular display of nature's fury.

Waves crash on the rocks of Shore Acres State Park during a King Tide event Thanksgiving weekend as visitors watch from a nearby overlook.
Waves crash on the rocks of Shore Acres State Park during a King Tide event Thanksgiving weekend as visitors watch from a nearby overlook.

Paige Winfrey from Shady Cove stopped at Shore Acres State Park during the Thanksgiving weekend to catch the mid-day high tide and take photos before setting up camp with friends nearby.

"We definitely look for the King Tides," Winfrey said. "The magnitude of it is amazing. When you see the little tiny people standing over there and the water towering over their heads it is like wow, that is crazy!"

Hundreds of people lined the overlooks at the park, standing shoulder to shoulder or walking the paths along the cliffs to catch a glimpse of the waves crashing on shore.

Photographers lined up shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event on the Oregon Coast.
Photographers lined up shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event on the Oregon Coast.

Robbie Miller traveled to the Oregon coast from his home in White Salmon, Washington, to catch the King Tide.

"The attraction is the power of the ocean and the sound — and the people. I kind of knew it was going to be a photography party and it was," he said with a laugh.

While the opportunity to witness the Nov. 25 King Tide spectacle first-hand has passed, take heart. There are two more chances this winter.

The King Tides will return to Oregon on December 22-24 and January 20-22, 2023.

Where to see King Tides?

Spectators watch the Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event at Shore Acres States Park.
Spectators watch the Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event at Shore Acres States Park.

King Tides are visible anywhere along the coast. These spots, however, are considered better than others:

  • North Coast — Graveyard of the Pacific, Haystack Rock, and the Promenade at Seaside

  • Central Coast — The Spouting Horn, Seal Rock, Depoe Bay and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

  • South Coast — Shore Acres State Park and Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Some national, state and county parks may require an entry fee and parking may be limited.

How to be safe while watching King Tides

While beautiful, Oregon’s 362-mile coastline can be dangerous.

Check the tide times and follow these recommendations to stay safe while enjoying the awe of King Tides:

  • Stay well back and above the beach. King Tides can push waves 100 feet or more above normal high water marks and have been known to overtake parking lots.

  • Never turn your back on the ocean.

  • Watch for potentially deadly sneaker waves that surge further up the beach than expected.

  • Watch your step. Jetties or rocks can be slippery.

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes with non-skid soles.

  • Stay away from logs on the beach or in the surf.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has tips here for safe storm watching at the coast.

Contact photographer Chris Pietsch at chris.pietsch@registerguard.com, or follow him on Twitter @ChrisPietsch and Instagram @chrispietsch.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: King Tides Oregon Coast when where to see