If you spend any time on the Northwest Coast in winter, you’ve probably heard talk about the king tides. They only show up a few times a year, but when they do, locals and wave watchers are on high alert. It’s a chance to see massive waves crashing against coastal cliffs, putting on a dramatic show.
King Tide at Cape Disappointment, photo by Michael McGarry
What Are King Tides?
King tides are the highest high tides of the year. King tides happen when the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon work together to create a stronger pull on the Earth’s oceans. This alignment is most powerful when the moon is closest to the Earth (perigee), and the Earth is closest to the sun (perihelion).
Oregon high tides average around 5-6 feet, but king tides potentially reach 10-12 feet. Waves can surge much higher, sometimes up to 20 or 30 feet, and the coast’s frequent winter storms can churn them into monster waves that take your breath away.
When To Watch King Tides on the Coast
King tides usually roll into the Northwest between November and February. The exact dates shift each year, so the easiest way to keep track is to check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for tidal predictions or look to local news sources. You can also follow the king tide associations described below.
If you’re heading out to watch, timing matters. The best viewing is right at the peak of high tide and about an hour on either side. Morning often gives you clearer light, but if a storm is moving through, mid-day can bring some impressive waves—as long as you’re watching from a safe, elevated spot. Conditions change quickly in winter, so check the surf forecast before you go. Every king tide has its own personality; some look calm and glassy, while others send water flying.
Lowest Low Tides
King tide weekends don’t just bring the highest high tides—they also bring the lowest low tides of the year. These extra-low tides pull the shoreline back farther than usual and open up parts of the coast you can’t normally see. It’s a great time to explore tide pools, look for sea stars and anemones, check out exposed rock formations, and enjoy wide stretches of beach. Just be sure to keep an eye on the tide chart so you can head back to higher ground before the water comes in.
Best Places to See King Tides on the Oregon Coast
You can watch king tides anywhere along the coast, but a few spots offer extra-good vantage points.
North Coast
King Tide at Yachats, Oregon, photo by Alex Moliski
Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock): Long sightlines and lots of room to watch.
Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City: Powerful surf hitting the sandstone headland—best seen from the safe viewing areas, not the edge.
Ecola State Park: High viewpoints keep you well above the surf.
Central Coast
Devils Punchbowl: The natural bowl shape fills and churns during king tides.
Yaquina Head, Newport: The lighthouse area has great high overlooks.
Heceta Head Overlooks: Classic headland viewpoints above the water.
South Coast
King Tides at Brookings, Oregon, photo by Eric Muhr
Shore Acres State Park: Known for huge winter wave displays that can shoot spray far into the air.
Battle Rock Park, Port Orford: An easy, safe place to watch the action.
Face Rock Viewpoint, Bandon: Wide views and popular with photographers.
Best Places to See King Tides on the Washington Coast
Northwest Washington / Strait of Juan de Fuca
Neah Bay & Cape Flattery: Wide, dramatic views at the far northwest tip of the state. The ocean energy here can be especially impressive during winter.
Hobuck Beach: A long, open beach where high tides push far up the sand; popular with photographers.
Salt Creek Recreation Area (near Port Angeles): High bluffs and easy viewpoints for safe king tide watching.
Puget Sound
King tides here look different—not powerful surf, but very high water levels that sometimes reach roads, docks, and waterfront parks.
Seattle Waterfront & Alki Beach: Water reaches unusually high levels along piers, seawalls, and beaches.
Golden Gardens, Ballard: King tides often push waves into the parking areas or right up to the driftwood line.
Tacoma’s Ruston Way: Waterfront paths and seawalls give clear views of how high the water rises.
Everett Marina & Mukilteo: Good spots to see the difference in water height around pilings and docks.
Southwest Washington Coast
King Tide at Cape Disappointment, photo by Avery Nielsen-Webb
Cape Disappointment State Park (near Ilwaco): Viewpoints and high bluffs looking out toward the mouth of the Columbia River; winter waves can be very energetic.
Long Beach Peninsula: King tides can cover large sections of beach and show the true reach of winter water levels.
Westport & Greys Harbor: Good for seeing how king tides affect marinas, jetties, and working waterfronts.
Be a Citizen Scientist
King tides aren’t just fun to watch—they’re also a chance to contribute to real coastal science. These extra-high tides offer a preview of what everyday high tides could look like as sea levels continue to rise, and scientists rely on public photos to help document those changes. When people photograph the same locations year after year, it creates a living record of how the shoreline is shifting, where flooding is becoming more common, and which areas may need future planning or protection.
Both Oregon and Washington run public king tide photo projects, and anyone can participate. All you have to do is safely capture photos during the peak high tide and submit them to your state’s program (the Oregon King Tides Photo Project or the Washington King Tides Initiative). The images get added to an online map that researchers, planners, and community groups use to understand long-term coastal trends.
For the most useful photos:
- Show how high the water reaches near permanent structures like seawalls, docks, roads, bridge pilings, or trail edges.
- Include flooding, erosion, or any spots where water covers areas that are usually dry.
- Take photos from stable, safe ground—no getting close to the surf.
- Check each project’s website or social media ahead of time for exact dates and submission instructions.
Safety Tips
King tides are amazing to watch, but they’re not something to get close to.
Plus, king tides increase the risk of sneaker waves. During king tides, the exceptionally high water level allows powerful sneaker waves to surge farther up the beach than they normally would, making them particularly dangerous.
Here are a few quick safety reminders:
- Don’t turn your back on the ocean.
- Stay off logs, jetties, and low rocks—they’re slippery and unpredictable.
- Watch from higher ground.
- Check tide charts, surf forecasts, and any high-surf warnings.
- Dress warm and waterproof; the wind and spray can catch you by surprise.
- If you’re taking photos, use your zoom instead of edging closer.
King tides are one of the coast’s winter highlights. They make you appreciate the power of the Pacific, and they’re a great excuse for a day trip. As long as you keep a safe distance and plan around the tides, you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the coast’s most exciting natural events.
