Elevated Sneaker Wave Threat Along N. Oregon Coast, S. Washington Coast

Published 10/20/2026 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Waldport, Oregon) – The National Weather Service (NWS) is saying there is an increased threat of sneaker waves on the northern half of the Oregon coast and south Washington coast, starting today (Tuesday) through Thursday.

The NWS said these kinds of waves run up higher than normal. Avoid jetties and logs near the waterline.

“Sneaker waves are a common beach hazard in the fall and winter,” the NWS said. “There are times. like the next few days, when the ocean conditions increase the risk of water rising further up the beach than expected. For those planning to spend time at the coast this week be safe by by keeping a generous distance from the surf and staying off freshly wet sand. “

The areas for the warning are on the upper half of the coast and include Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport and Yachats – as well as Washington areas around Long Beach to Westport.

Much of the culprit of sneaker waves is the long period swells – the seconds between them. The longer the period, the more chance they have to pile up energy and then come onshore as a sneaker wave.

Sneaker waves photo Seaside Aquarium

The NWS said North Oregon coast / south Washington seas will remain elevated through Friday, holding around 7 to 9 feet with a dominant northwest swell of 8 feet at 10 to 11 seconds. While northerly wind waves add some shorter-period chop, the primary wave energy will come from the persistent northwest swell, keeping conditions fairly rough offshore.

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

ABOVE: each of the coastal area weather pages contain wave height and period swells predictions for that spot.

Wave heights gradually ease Friday night into Saturday, dropping to 5 to 7 feet as the northwest swell subsides to around 6 feet at 10 to 11 seconds. Saturday looks to be the calmest period with more manageable seas near 5 to 6 feet.

Seaside Aquarium

By Saturday night, seas build slightly back to 6 to 7 feet as a new west swell develops, combining with a short-period southwest wind wave. The result will be a bumpier and more mixed sea state heading into the latter half of the weekend.

There are no similar elevated threat announcements for the south Oregon coast. Seas are in a much mellower state there, but they could be building later in the week.

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