High Threat of Sneaker Waves This Weekend on N. Oregon / S. Washington Coast

Published 09/26/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) – You know it's fall when the first wave alert goes out along the Pacific Northwest ocean playgrounds.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazards statement for the upper half of the Oregon and southern part of the Washington coast. This weekend, beachgoers should be alert for hazardous surf conditions. Waves may surge much farther up the beach than usual, sweeping over rocks and jetties with little warning.

It is in effect from today through Sunday, for areas around Florence, Yachats, Newport, Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Pacific City, Oceanside, Rockaway Beach, Manzanita, Seaside, Long Beach, Oysterville and Westport. The south coast of Oregon is not a part of this alert.

“A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when sneaker waves create potentially life-threatening conditions in the surf zone,” the NWS said. “Caution should be used when in or near the water. Always keep an eye on the waves, and be especially watchful of children.”

National Weather Service

A man recently died near Yachats after falling into the water during surf conditions not as active as this. Man Drowns at Central Oregon Coast's Thor's Well, Near Yachats

The culprit of sneaker waves, said the NWS, is the long period between swells.

“A northwest swell around 7 to 10 ft at 14-15 seconds will bring an increased threat of sneaker waves this afternoon through Saturday evening,” the NWS said. “Beach goers should remain aware of their surroundings.”

Weather along the Oregon coast and Washington coast is about take a turn for the more-than-slightly-damp. Heavy winds may come in by Wednesday.

The surf forecast is below. It is for a wide, general area – Florence waters all the way through Westport. This means some individual areas may differ. See the Oregon Coast Weather and Washington Coast Weather pages for the more localized forecasts.

Tonight: Seas will range from 7 to 8 feet, with northwest swells reaching 8 feet every 15 seconds.

Saturday: Wave heights are expected to increase slightly to between 7 and 9 feet, with northwest swells at 9 feet every 14 seconds.

Saturday Night: Seas will remain steady at 8 to 9 feet, continuing with northwest swells of 9 feet every 14 seconds.

Sunday: Wave heights will range from 7 to 8 feet. Swell activity will include southern swells of 5 feet every 7 seconds and northwest swells of 8 feet every 12 seconds. Rain is possible in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Seas will hold between 7 and 9 feet. Swells will come from the south at 8 feet every 9 seconds and from the west at 7 feet every 12 seconds. Rain is expected throughout the night.

Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Monday: Seas will remain at 7 to 9 feet. Swells will include southern waves of 7 feet every 6 seconds and northwest swells of 7 feet every 12 seconds. Rain is forecast for the morning, followed by showers in the afternoon.

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