Everything You Need to Know About the King Tide in Oregon

Each year, as the sun, moon, and earth reach a “just right” alignment, coastal regions across the world experience a phenomenon known as a King Tide. During these enormously high tides, water can rise to 13 feet – often several feet higher than average tides.

Along the Oregon coast, there are many great places to spot the King Tides, particularly in Cannon Beach. If you’re visiting this winter, and your trip aligns with this impressive sight, taking time to witness it firsthand is a must-do experience. To plan for your encounter, check out our guide to everything you need to know about the King Tide in Oregon and get ready for one of nature’s most magnificent showings.

What Dates are the King Tides in Oregon?

King Tides, more officially known by their scientific term Perigean Spring Tides, happen at different times of year around the world. Most occur during spring and fall, but in places like Hawaii, they happen more often in summer and winter.

The next King Tide in Oregon will occur January 11 – 13, 2025.

Where is the Best Place to See a King Tide in Oregon?

Oregon has many excellent viewing spots for the King Tides. If you’re in Cannon Beach, you can enjoy them from the comforts of your oceanfront Beachcomber vacation rental – one of the safest places to spectate. Or you can head to outcroppings near Haystack Rock, Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, or Shore Acres State Park just south of town in Coos Bay.

Wherever you choose to watch a King Tide on the Oregon coast, make sure you adhere to beach safety rules and stay clear of the water. These tides can stir up large pieces of driftwood and other debris. Sudden waves can sneak up on you and knock you off balance or sweep you out into the current. For these and other reasons, King Tides are best observed from a safe distance.

Many of the mentioned locations offer excellent photo opportunities, with some of Cannon Beach’s most iconic sites serving as the perfect backdrop for this event.

What is Considered a King Tide in Oregon?
 

A King Tides event is marked by an area experiencing its highest tide. This is due to the underlying cause of King Tides: gravitational pull.

A King Tide occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to Earth’s, the Earth’s orbit is closest to the Sun, and all three are in perfect alignment. The result is a stronger gravitational pull, which directly affects the tide during a full moon or new moon.

In Oregon, these winter tides cause water to rise one to two feet higher than usual. King Tides typically last around three hours and can cause flooding, erosion, and beach access closures.

What Happens at a King Tide?

Coastal areas experience a high tide several times a day. So, what makes King Tides so different? In addition to the debris and force we’ve already noted, King Tides in Oregon, and around the world, show us how areas may be affected by things like global warming.

As sea levels rise over time, King Tides will also rise higher and higher. Scientists, city planners, and engineers pay attention to King Tide season to note trends and use that data and information to make informed infrastructure decisions that can help preserve roads, homes, and beaches for coming years.

What Can I See After a King Tide?
 

As water levels recede after a King Tide, wonders fill the beaches, offering some of the year’s best beachcombing. The strength of the tide washes ashore everything from petrified wood to large driftwood pieces. Beachcombers can find sea glass, shark teeth, and other wonders in tide pools that cover the shore.
If you head out to the beach after a King Tide in Oregon, help us keep the shores clean by packing out any trash that may have washed up. If we each do our part, we can preserve our coastline for generations to come.

Do Storms Contribute to King Tides?

While storms do not cause King Tides, they can contribute to extensive damage if they occur during one. Storm surges can lead to property damage, flooding, and many other destructive outcomes.

Storm chasers tend to seek out coastal regions during King Tide seasons because they can capture remarkable imagery of powerful waves, lightning, and clouds over the already impressive surf.

See the King Tides in Cannon Beach

If you want to experience the incredible force of King Tides in Oregon for yourself, now’s the time to book your Cannon Beach getaway! The last tides of the season will occur in early January, and then we’ll have to wait until the end of 2025 before they return.

At Beachcomber Vacation Homes, we have gorgeous properties that will let you watch the King Tides right from your living room. After they recede, you’re just steps away from the sand, where you can explore the wonders left behind.

Browse our complete list of Cannon Beach vacation rentals and book your stay directly today!