Sneaker Wave Alerts for North Oregon Coast Until Late Sunday - Use Caution

Published 03/02/25 at 6:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Oceanside, Oregon) – A high chance of sneaker waves remains into late Sunday, meaning anyone heading to the Oregon coast's north half should exercise extreme caution if you plan to be on the beach at all. (Above: Gleneden Beach is dangerous at high tide / Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland issued the Coastal Hazard Message for the area from Florence up to the Washington coast border, which includes Seaside, Manzanita, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City and Yachats – as well as everything in between.

“Waves will run up farther on beaches and could sweep people off their feet and into the ocean,” the NWS said. “Avoid climbing on rocks, jetties, or logs and never turn your back to the ocean.”

While the alert is for the northern half, the southern part will be experiencing rather high waves and long period timing as well, which is a recipe for sneaker waves. Aareas like beaches near Coos Bay, Bandon and Port Orford will be seeing wave height in the teens. Waves there today will get to a combined height of 13 feet or more with 13 seconds timing between swells. It's a good idea to watch yourself there as well.

Newport's Moolack Beach

On the northern half, the NWS said timing between swells is exceptionally long, creating some real hazards.

- Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

“Elevated waves due to the current frontal passage, with waves above 10 ft with periods around 14-18 seconds through the weekend, resulting in a high threat of sneaker waves,” the NWS said. “Swell height and period will decrease into Monday, resulting in a moderate risk for sneaker waves lasting until Monday morning.”

Waves on the south coast also remain rather high on Monday, although the timing between swells is far less than up north.

Seaside Aquarium

It is advised to stay off all small beaches with a short distance between cliff walls and the tideline. Areas like parts of Moolack Beach, Gleneden Beach, Oceanside, beaches near Humbug Mountain, parts of Bandon and more will be a great risk. Stick to wide beaches like Seaside, Horsfall, Cannon Beach or Lincoln City and Manzanita where there are no cliffs behind you and just easy access to dry land via foredunes.

Cape Meares

“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.”

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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