King Tides Are On Their Way To Oregon And They Are A Magnificent Sight

Want to bask in the power of the Pacific Ocean? Head to the Oregon coast this winter to view the magnificent king tides. Going to the beach and watching the everchanging water is always magical but seeing the king tides is extra special.

This annual phenomenon happens several times each winter when the gravitational pull on the water is especially strong. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this occurs when the earth, sun, and moon are all aligned, resulting in very high tides. While it's a nonscientific term, these massive tides are popularly called king tides or spring tides.

"Higher than normal tides typically occur during a new or full moon and when the moon is at its perigee, or during specific seasons around the country," explains the NOAA's website." This year's projected dates for Oregon Coast king tides are November 25-27, 2023, December 13-15, 2023, January 11-13, 2024, and February 8-10, 2024. Check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide-predictions tool for more information.

King tides can be viewed all along the Oregon coast.

Essentially, in a king tide, the water is pulled back and forth on shore way more than normal.

Land that isn't normally exposed sees the light of day. King tides can result in flooding as well.

So, it's very important to always keep an eye on the water and watch out for rogue waves.

The Oregon Coast Visitor's Association recommends viewing king tides from coastal overlook areas or other safe spots.

Waves are always mesmerizing to watch but king tides take the excitement to the next level.

Have your camera or phone ready to take some photos!

For more information, check out the Oregon Coast Visitor's Association website. If you see the king tides, be sure to leave a comment to let us know about your experience. Additionally, if your trip to the beach includes a drive, stock up on car-friendly snacks.