How to watch the king tides this winter along the Oregon Coast, when they are happening

Chris Pietsch, Eugene Register-Guard
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: This story was originally published in October. We are republishing it as we look back at some of our most-read stories of the past year.

As dependable as the sun, moon and stars, the winter king tides return monthly to the Oregon Coast from November through February.

With a little planning and some luck, there are still two more opportunities to enjoy the annual display of nature's fury in the coming months.

Extreme high tides occur year-round when the moon’s orbit comes closest to the earth, but the winter months may bring another necessary ingredient: winter storms.

The king tides return this week Jan. 11-13 and again Feb. 8-10 in 2024.

How spectacular the show will be depends on Mother Nature. Trust your luck and make plans now.

Waves crash on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon Coast during a king tide event on Jan. 22, 2023 as spectators watch from the overlook beyond.
Waves crash on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon Coast during a king tide event on Jan. 22, 2023 as spectators watch from the overlook beyond.

Where to see king tides along the Oregon Coast

King tides are visible anywhere along the coast. These spots, however, are considered among the best:

  • 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.

Photographers lineup shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event on the Oregon Coast Nov. 25, 2022.
Photographers lineup shoulder to shoulder at an overlook at Shore Acres State Park during a Thanksgiving weekend King Tide event on the Oregon Coast Nov. 25, 2022.

How to safely watch king tides

While beautiful, Oregon’s 362-mile coastline can be dangerous. Check 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 and rocks can be slippery.

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

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

Waves crash on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon Coast during a king tide event on Jan. 22, 2023 as a spectator watches from a safe vantage above.
Waves crash on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon Coast during a king tide event on Jan. 22, 2023 as a spectator watches from a safe vantage above.

Want to participate in The King Tides Project?

Visit oregonkingtides.net for more information.

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: How to watch king tides along the Oregon Coast this winter