Those Mysterious Shafts of Sunlight Beaming Out from Oregon Coast Skies

Published 09/12/25 at 7:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) - On any partly cloudy day – just about anywhere – mysterious rays of light could pop out. These dramatic shafts of sunlight often pierce the sky, creating a striking visual effect. Known as crepuscular rays, these beams typically appear near sunrise or sunset and are often mistaken for something celestial.

They're a bit more common on the Oregon coast or Washington coast than inland, adding yet another layer of awe and surprise to the ocean environment. Above: the ethereal sight as it was captured in Manzanita one year.

Despite this heavenly vibe, the science behind them is grounded in atmospheric conditions. According to Treena Jensen of the National Weather Service in Portland, the rays form when sunlight shines through breaks in the clouds and illuminates particles like dust or haze in the air. This scattered light creates the illusion of rays fanning outward from the sun.

MORE ON THE SCIENCE OF CREPUSCULAR RAYS

She spoke with Oregon Coast Beach Connection a few years ago, providing tons of insight into this dazzling phenomenon.

The term crepuscular refers to twilight, which is when these rays are most commonly seen, she said. The sun must be low on the horizon, and the atmosphere must contain enough particulates to scatter the light effectively. Here, the striking sight was snapped in Lincoln City in spring. Note the bluish even pastel look: this is something that really usually just happens in spring along these beaches.

Although the rays appear to bend, they are actually straight and parallel. Satellite images confirm this, but the perspective from the ground makes them seem to radiate in different directions. This shot is from Pacific City one summer. Sunset has a brighter but paler tone to it.

In the case of this shot in Seaside taken in 2004 (above), the hole in the clouds is above where the sun is. That means the divergence would point upwards.

This effect doesn't necessarily mean Oregon coast skies are polluted, either. Jensen said while dust, pollution and even fires from a distant land are a factor, often it's the ocean that's the big cause.

Does the beam-of-light thing happen down south in places like Bandon or Port Orford? Indeed it does, as Manuela Durson captured here in the Port Orford area.- Manuela Durson Fine Arts

“Salt spray from ocean waves sometimes produces that,” Jensen said. “It's a somewhat polluted environment, but not the pollution you normally think of. It's a natural pollution. Especially on a windy day when there's pretty big surf that can cause a lot of sea spray.”

There's kind of a UFO look that accompanies this. Holes in the clouds in various places can create odd, random spots lit up on the beach, like this circular area that almost seems like its getting hit with a spotlight. This photo was taken at Lincoln City at a secret park that lurks above Taft / Siletz Bay.

More sights from Manzanita and dramatic rays shooting out from distant clouds (and below).

 

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

Nye Beach's Waves Hotel Keeps Making Waves: an Oregon Coast Classic
Less expensive than many, an innovative Newport boutique hotel. Newport lodging reviews

Oceanfront Kitchettes in Seaside, Near Gearhart, Near Cannon Beach
Large rooms right up against the surf and Promenade. Watch for whales as you prepare a meal. Seaside reviews, hotel reviews, specials

A Bit of Oregon Coastal Swank At Not Quite the Coin
Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma is a bit of a surprise. Lincoln City hotel reviews

Laidback Rockaway Beach, Ocean in View from Hidden Oregon Coast Condo Rental
Luxury and an unstoppable view meet. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, lodging news

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)

Oodles of Orcas: Latest Run of Oregon Coast Killer Whales ID'd
16 May 2026 at 8:00am
Two different sets seen from Pacific City down through Coos Bay. Sciences

Video: Orcas Bouncing, Jumping Out of the Surf in Spectacular Oregon Coast Display
19 Jun 2026 at 9:06am
Seal Rock was the site of wild jumps, tail slaps. Marine sciences. Whale

State Parks Day Means One Big Freebie for Oregonians - including the coastline
30 May 2026 at 7:01am
June 6 brings free parking to all Oregon state parks for residents. Brookings events, Gold Beach events, Port Orford events, Coos Bay events, Bandon events, Florence events, Yachats events, Newport events, Lincoln City events, Rockaway Beach events, Manzanita events, Cannon Beach events, Seaside events, Astoria events

New Trolleys on Oregon Coast (and Another Shuttle): Pacific City, Tillamook, Yachats
26 May 2026 at 9:38am
Yachats and Tillamook get trolleys, and Pacific City resumes shuttle service. Traffic, travel tips

Man Sought for Bias Crimes on Oregon Coast Is Shot After Pulling Gun on Officers
19 Jun 2026 at 9:06am
The man had damaged a fruit stand and threatened a woman. True crime

South Oregon Coast All Summer: Nature, History Events at Bandon's Bullards Beach State Park
8 Jun 2026 at 12:09am
From now through August there a ton of Bandon events. Literally

Tillamook, Oregon Weather - Tillamook Bay 7-Day Forecast, Current Conditions, Sky Cams, Tides, Alerts
4 Jun 2026 at 8:29am
Tillamook, Oregon weather conditions and forecasts

Oregon Officials Advice on Fireworks, Leave Them At Home If Heading to State Parks, the Coast
27 Jun 2026 at 11:23pm
Fireworks are banned in all state parks; Sheriffs urge caution. Safety. Astoria events, Seaside events, Cannon Beach events, Manzanita events, Rockaway Beach events, Tillamook events, Oceanside events, Pacific City events, Lincoln City events, Depoe Bay events, Newport events, Waldport events, Yachats events, Florence events, Reedsport events, North Bend events, Coos Bay events, Charleston events, Bandon events, Port Orford events, Gold Beach events, Brookings events. Weather

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