Experience the wonder of king tides this winter while staying safe.
Every winter the Southern Oregon Coast is treated to king tides, a term used to describe the highest tides of the year. During this annual event — which will occur December 13-15, 2024; January 11-13, 2025; and again in November and December — ocean levels rise dramatically, resulting in magnificent waters that can be a wonder to behold, but only from a safe distance. Here’s what you need to know about experiencing king tides (and their counterpart, minus tides) on the South Coast.
What Are King Tides?
The term “king tides” refers to a natural phenomenon that typically takes place when the moon is either full or new and it is at its perigee — the official term for its closest position to the earth. Particularly strong gravitational pulls cause tides to surge and then retract much more dramatically than they normally would. Parts of beaches and coastlines that are normally exposed may be engulfed in waves, and flooding sometimes occurs.
King tides are always followed by extremely low tides, called minus tides. During these tides, large sections of beach that are normally underwater are exposed. Minus tides provide an incredible opportunity for beachcombing and tide-pool viewing, giving visitors access to areas that are normally underwater. There are some extra safety considerations to take into account, however, if you visit the beach during king-and minus-tide periods.
King Tides, Minus Tides and Safety
Witnessing the sheer power of king tides can be an astounding experience, but it does come with risks. This is not a time to get close to the beach. Even if you don’t see any signage indicating that a particular stretch of sand is closed for safety reasons, it’s best to keep some serious space between you and the water. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the show, however. You’ll just need to watch from a distance.
During minus tides, long stretches of normally submerged coastline become accessible. While this can result in some exceptional opportunities for tide pooling, you must exercise extreme caution. Before setting out, check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide-predictions tool to make sure you know just when the tides will be at their lowest. Once you’re on the beach, it’s crucial that you pay very close attention to your surroundings. Never turn your back to the ocean — this applies whenever you visit — and don’t attempt to climb on rocks or sea stacks, as you could easily get stranded when the tide comes in. And as always, watch your footing on the slippery rocks.
Where to Experience Them
For majestic views of massive tides crashing against coastal cliffs, head to Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay. The lookout here has long been a favorite perch among Oregon Coast photographers, and it’s a great place to view king tides from a safe height. The Simpson Reef Viewpoint at the edge of Cape Arago State Park, just south of Shore Acres, is another great option.
In the Port Orford area, Cape Blanco State Park is another place to take in ocean views — and maybe do a little hiking. Take the invigorating climb on the summit trail at Humbug Mountain State Park. Incredible coastal views await you at the top of this 1,765-foot peak.
Some of the best king-tide views can be found along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings. Make sure to stop at the Arch Rock Viewpoint, which looks out over an enormous arched rock formation that juts up from the ocean.
If you want to go tide pooling during low or ultra-low minus tides, Sunset Bay State Park is a local favorite, with an extensive tide-pool system comprising numerous small rock pools. Coquille Point in Bandon is another great place for tide pooling, and it’s a particularly good place for spotting marine birds and mammals, too. You’ll find a similar scene at the marine gardens of Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, where low tides reveal tide pools filled with all sorts of sea creatures, including anemones and starfish.
Make sure to take plenty of photos while you’re out exploring. Once you’re home, submit your photos to the Oregon King Tides Project, a tide-monitoring initiative designed to help scientists better understand king tides and their impact on coastal ecosystems. Submit your photos to the annual photo contest to help them assess the tides each year.
Top photo by Manuela Durson
