Winter Seas Alert! The King Tides are back Again!

 Winter visitors to Yachats are often amazed by the spectacular storms that build and erupt over the ocean and crash onto the beach and shoreline below town. These wild acts of nature most often occur between October and March, when massive waves rise out of the water to surge inland and pound our sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings. When winter storms occur during a new or full moon, King Tides form and swell out of the tumultuous waves to provide a spectacular show for locals and visitors alike!

Maybe you were able to watch the monstrous white-capped King Tides that thundered ashore on November 26 and 27 and December 14 and 25 in 2023, but if you missed that series, we are expecting another spectacular show in 2024! Come watch the King Tides rumble ashore this year; they’ll be making landfall January 11th -13th, and February 8th-10th. If the King Tides happen during a winter storm, you may see these furious breakers expand and gather speed as they rush ashore and batter sand, rock, and forest to the backdrop of exploding thunder and lightning. The crack of crashing waves and the boom of not-so-distant thunder mix with the steady drum beat of heavy rain to complement the storm with a kind of natural soundtrack. If you’re lucky, you may even see flashes of lightning illuminating the sky, crashing from cloud to cloud or zapping the ocean with tremendous force.

You can watch these incredible storms from many places around Yachats that overlook the ocean, but make sure to bring rain gear and durable shoes or boots with non-skid soles. Because winds can blow more than 50 miles per hour and waves may exceed 30 feet tall, never turn your back on the ocean. The US Coast Guard warns against getting too close to the raging King Tides, so always stay a safe distance away from the beach and the rocky outcroppings around town, don’t climb on logs that have drifted inland, and plan an escape route inland from your location to ensure against sneaker waves. Sneaker waves can suddenly advance much further up the beach than the other waves and can be extremely dangerous.

Plan a storm-watching trip to Yachats, where you’ll be able to experience these fantastic events up close or from a comfortable distance away. The best place to watch King Tides and other winter storms is from the safety and comfort of your hotel room or favorite local lodging spot with views of the ocean below. We also have some great restaurants that provide the perfect view to complement your seafood dinner or relaxing nightcap.

The Yachats Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome you to the coast! Visit our website at yachats.org for a detailed list of events and a variety of ideas that will enhance your stay.

By Phil Sollers

Image by Girl in Water Photography