Entire Oregon Coast, South Washington Coast Get Increased Chance of Sneaker Wave Dangers

Published 10/15/25 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Long Beach, Washington) - The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for the entire Oregon coast and southern part of the Washington Coast, warning of the potential for sneaker waves from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.

It's an area that encompasses Brookings through Westport – and includes Port Orford, Coos Bay, Bandon, Florence, Yachats, Lincoln City, Oceanside, Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Oysterville and Ocean Park.

What makes these a little more dangerous is that weather will be somewhat sunny and otherwise calm on the beaches - plus it's a weekend. More people will be on the beaches and they may have a false sense of security.

Sneaker waves are powerful, unexpected surges that can charge much farther up the beach than typical waves, often sweeping over areas like the rocks and jetties at Nehalem Bay, Yachats, Warrenton, Bandon or Westport.

“Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties,” the NWS said. “Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning.”

These waves pose a serious risk to beachgoers, with the potential to knock individuals off their feet and drag them into cold, turbulent waters, leading to injury or drowning. It's not statement meaning that every wave will be like this, but the chances of a few gnarly waves happening while you're on the beach are much greater.

On the north Oregon coast and Washington coast, the Portland office of the NWS noted some extremely long periods between offshore waves. It's also affecting smaller vessels.

“Wave heights are expected to increase to 10-12 feet Friday evening with a period of 16-17 seconds, leading to steep seas and dangerous conditions for Small Craft. As such, a Small Craft Advisory for steep seas has been issued for all waters and the Columbia River Bar starting at 5 pm Friday.”

For the southern Oregon coast, the Medford office is looking at similar conditions.

“A large north to northwest swell of 10-12 ft at 16-17 seconds is expected to enter the waters Friday afternoon,” the NWS said. “This will support a high threat for sneaker waves through much of Saturday, possibly longer into Saturday night or Sunday as a moderate threat.”

You can catch the full wave forecasts in all areas of the Oregon coast:

Astoria / Warrenton Weather
Seaside Weather
Cannon Beach
Manzanita
Nehalem Bay / Wheeler
Rockaway
Oceanside/Tillamook
Pacific City
Lincoln City
Depoe Bay Weather
Newport
Yachats
Florence
Coos Bay - North Bend - Charleston
Bandon Weather
Port Orford Weather
Gold Beach Weather
Brookings Weather

Stay off very short beaches with cliffs behind them such as all of Gleneden Beach, parts of Lincoln City, large sea stacks at Bandon, Newport's Nye Beach or the small beaches at Humbug Mountain (to name a few examples).

Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution when near the surf zone during this period. Visitors are advised to remain cautious, never turn their back on the ocean, and keep a close watch on children and pets. These life-threatening conditions can arise even during seemingly calm weather, the NWS said.

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