Oregon Coast Storm Watching

Storm Watching on the Oregon coast is a favorite pastime of locals, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite for visitors from all over as well!
Shore Acres State Park

Oregon Coast Storm Watching

Storm Watching on the Oregon coast is a favorite pastime of locals, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite for visitors from all over as well!

Just a few minutes from the front door of the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is a much sought after location to watch raging seas slam against the craggy rocks, creating massive explosions of bright white salt water.

Shore Acres State Park is not only a beautiful park that includes a pristine botanical garden, but it also has several locations nearby where storm watchers wait for waves as they hit the rocks.

The blasting waves can raise more than 100 feet in the air after making contact with the shore. Spectators watch these wave washes in wide-eyed wonderment and plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” following the crashing waves.

Storm Watching ramps up towards the end of October through March.

Around here, it is not unusual to get hit with 70 to 80 mile an hour winds on the coast during storm season. So here are a few things to keep in mind when heading this way:

Always bring a rain coat, long one is best. We do not use umbrellas here. First of all, they will get destroyed and second of all, it really shouts, “Tourist!”

-Always dress warmly. Even though our coldest days only register around 48 to 50 degrees, it can feel significantly colder in the wind. 

-Check the tide tables. The biggest waves crash on the rocks ramping up to high tide and then again as the tide recedes.

-Always follow the rules. The ocean can become a dangerous raging beast during storm time. Watch the storm from a distance, never go anywhere near the water or jetty. Stay off logs and always keep your eye on the water.

-Always put a little food, water, extra clothes and blankets in your trunk or in a backpack.

-When you get here, make sure you understand earthquake and tsunami evacuation routes and preparation, just to be prepared. 

– There is a $5 day use charge to park at Shore Acres State Park. 

-Expect power outages and generally blustery conditions around storm time.

Storm Watching is exhilarating and very fun, but it can also be a hit and miss adventure. Sometimes a storm just falls flat and you should have alternative activities ready to fill-in if the storm doesn’t take shape. 

When planning storm watching always check the 7 to 10 day forecast and look for high winds and or high surf advisories and warnings. – http://bit.do/Weather-Check

Photo by: Coos County Airport District