See the year’s highest tides while helping ocean research on the Oregon Coast.
A few times each winter, when conditions are right, the Oregon Coast takes a proverbial bath. Bays fill to the brim, incoming tides submerge whole stretches of coastline and rivers rise to their banks, occasionally flooding nearby forests.
Seeing the Oregon Coast in this new light is a magical way to see Mother Nature’s power up close. It’s also only possible because of the seasonal phenomenon known as perigean spring tides, more commonly called king tides.
As winter season approaches, it’s a good idea to keep in mind a few tips when you’re planning to visit the Coast during king tides to stay safe. Better yet, you can make an impact by helping scientists to better understand their effect on coastal communities.
What Are King Tides?
King tides include the highest of high tides and lowest of the low tides each year and occur during new or full moons and when the moon is closest to Earth. When those factors align, they create the gravitational force to pull tides highest up the beach and, occasionally, onto parking areas and local roads. On the Oregon Coast, that usually happens two to four times each winter, typically between November and January.
For the 2026-27 winter season, king tides will wash ashore between Nov. 23-27, Dec. 22-26 and Jan. 20-24, when you’ll find some dramatic viewing. Keep in mind that the lowest tides will be at night, which may put a damper on your tide-pooling plans.
Many of us associate king tides with massive swells and crashing waves, but not all king tide events produce large waves, notes Sam Derrenbacher, community science and engagement manager with the nonprofit Oregon Shores. In most cases, king tides seem less dramatic. In the 30 minutes or so before and after a tidal peak, you’ll see water flooding far up on the shoreline, looking like a really high tide.
Stay Safe During These High Tides
For any trip to the beach during king tides, Derrenbacher recommends checking out tide predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to view the most accurate tide tables for your destination. Small printed tide tables are available online and at hotels, visitor centers and shops throughout the Coast, but be mindful they may not be as reliable due to different topographies and your specific location.
Derrenbacher also suggests brushing up on beach safety and reading tips for staying safe during king tides. The water can be fast and powerful, and when it covers the beach, you may not have a route to walk back. You will want to view high tides from elevated overlooks and stay off the beach, especially cove beaches with no place to quickly evacuate. If you do end up on sand, avoid sitting or standing on large logs, as they can easily move if inundated with water. Always wear sturdy shoes or boots to maintain a grip in slippery conditions, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Document Tides With the Oregon King Tides Project
This year you can enjoy king tides on the Oregon Coast while helping local organizations better understand the effects of climate change.
Each winter Oregon Shores teams up with partners like the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development’s Oregon Coastal Management Program to put on the Oregon King Tides Project. As part of the project, volunteers photograph king tides up and down the Oregon Coast — and, in doing so, help researchers understand their impacts on beaches, private property, and infrastructure like roads and highways.
After signing up and joining an optional webinar that includes an overview and safety tips, volunteers view king tides from the location of their choosing on the Oregon Coast. From there they submit photos to the project, either via Flickr or through the website, along with observations on what they saw. Team members then use those insights and data to help local communities understand where the sea level is rising and plan for those impacts in the years ahead. “It’s showing us today what tomorrow’s normal high tide looks like,” Derrenbacher says.
As part of the project, organizers put on a contest in which photographers can earn prizes for submitting king-tide photos in four categories. Visit the website for this year’s contest themes and prizes, as well as more information on events like watch parties and upcoming volunteer webinars.
– By Matt Wastradowski
– Top photo by Manuela Durson