Chances of Aurora Decent Tonight for Washington and Coast, Slight Chance Oregon

Published 10/08/2026 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – So far, the aurora borealis predictions look good for tonight (Thursday) in Washington State, and they present a decent possibility in northern Oregon. That likely includes the coastlines, with the peak viewing probably between midnight and 3 a.m. Friday morning. (Photo Jaklyn Larsen, near Florence)

SUMMARY: Auroral display more Likely in Washington
Some possible northern half of Oregon
Best times: 8 – 11 pm, better 2 – 5 am

Mostly clear skies are predicted for most areas of the Pacific Northwest, so that bodes well too. This won't be one you can see with your eyes, at least in Oregon. You'll need a camera to see it, and one that takes decent night photos (which many phone cams do these days).

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Colorado said all this will come from a sizable solar disturbance a few days ago.

“G1 to G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storms are likely on 09 Oct with the arrival of a CME that left the Sun on 06 Oct,” the SWPC said.

The key for Oregon here is the end of the view line of the Northern Lights. The graphic created by the SWPC shows that ending in southern Washington. The rule of thumb is if you're within 300 miles of the view line you've got a shot at seeing aurora borealis.

Check latest predictions before heading out

That likely means all of the Washington coast (with upper Washington getting the best views) and parts of northern to central Oregon and its coastline.

Prediction times show a Kp index of 5 around 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (G1), then weakening, and then getting to a Kp index of 5.67 between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Those are Oregon's best chances, and there's a ghost of a chance for central Oregon.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

It's not likely for south coast or Oregon towns like Coos Bay, Gold Beach or Ashland.

Auroras (northern lights or southern lights) come from gasses in our atmosphere and along the magnetic lines of the planet being disturbed by solar flare material.

What will the colors mean? Most common are oranges or greens.

“Oxygen excited to different energy levels can produce green and red,” said NASA. “Green occurs roughly between 60 to 120 miles (100-200 km) altitude, and red occurs above 120 miles (200 km).”

Pacific Northwest Weather | Oregon, Washington, Coastline (see NW from space) |---| Washington Coast Weather |---| Oregon Coast Weather |---| Inland Oregon Weather

The reds mean it's a very intense storm, as up that high there are far fewer gasses to interact with.

If you see columns – or curtains – those auroral displays happening along magnetic lines in the sky.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Still Some Summer Lodging Deals on Oregon Coast
10 Jun 2026 at 1:01pm
Found in Manzanita and Lincoln City - where to look for more. Lincoln City hotel specials, Manzanita hotel specials. Ocean Inn, A1 Beach Rentals. Lincoln City reviews, Manzanita reviews

Vacation Homes with Kitchens in High Demand for Holiday on Oregon Coast, Here...
From Washington coast down through Depoe Bay: what vacation rentals are open. Hotel news, lodging news, Depoe Bay hotel reviews, Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews

Cannon Beach Hotels - North Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach Hotels, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Roland W. Reviewed Agate Beach Motel, Newport.
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
Views outside are some of the best on the coast. Inside too: beautiful rooms. And service quite good too

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted