Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches


When a Stormwatch Brews: Vantage Points to View the Gnarly Oregon Coast - Video (Part 1)

Published 11/08/23 a 4:35 p.m.
B
y Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) - It's likely no other rock song captured the imagery of an ocean storm better than that line from "Dun Ringill," by Jethro Tull lead singer Ian Anderson. And while it was written about some place in Scotland, it's not hard to imagine Anderson could've had Oregon's rustic, moody coast in mind. (Above: Shore Acres, courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast)

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

"Lines drawn in faint discord
As the stormwatch brews
A concert of kings
As the white sea snaps
At the heels of a soft prayer
Whispered" - Jethro Tull, 1982

That's the season we're heading into now, with our own angry sea snapping and clawing magnificently at the Oregon coast on a regular basis. Yet when those tides get big – like 30-foot seas coming up – then it's time to run for the higher ground.

Luckily, there's tons of safe spots to watch even the gnarliest of deadly wave action. So, get ready for an oceanic Jerry Springer Show and dig into part one of this two-parter on Stormwatch Oregon Coast. As a Stormwatch Brews, Part Two of Oregon Coast Viewing Hotspots


Boiler Bay and Headland Viewpoint. Between Boiler Bay and Depoe Bay sits the small headland of Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, and the action crazy here sometimes. Here, you'll find numerous picnic tables, plenty of grassy spots and full restroom facilities that help add to the beauty and convenience on this mini-headland.

Central Oregon Coast's Boiler Bay Has Two, Maybe More Parts

There are almost three different distinct areas to this park. To its south are views towards Depoe Bay and a bundle of rocky structures that provide more than a few opportunities for large, stormy waves to crash upon and make an enormous spectacle.


Straight out to sea, there's that fenced area, which gets you to the tip of the headland, and is harder to deal with when the wind is going bonkers. It may knock you around quite a bit.

To the north, there's a kind of cove-like area, with views of more rocky slabs where stormy waves do incredible acrobatic acts. Also, from here you can watch waves sail into Boiler Bay and work their wintry magic.

Even more intense views can be found at the gravel pullout immediately north of the headland and state park, but traffic makes that a bit dangerous to get into. Here, you are just above where the old boiler sits and it's a death match down there when waves get large.


Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

Shore Acres, Near Coos Bay. The undisputed king of mammoth waves, this ledge – located within a quick walk of the historic mansion and grounds – produces sights you can't see anywhere else on the Oregon coast.

Waves slam against this unique typography (part of it is a rise underneath the waves) and erupt. That's frankly the only word that can be applied here. These soar some 200 feet in the air at times, towering over the cliff lookout area by a good 100 feet. See how Shore Acres waves are measured.

The bigger the storm the bigger the action, of course, but it doesn't take a large tempest to create massive walls of water. Medium-sized tidal events also charge things up.

Other south coast spectacular spots include Otter Point near Gold Beach, the southern point of Humbug Mountain, Port Orford Heads and just above Bandon's Face Rock Viewpoint (as seen in the video).

Part two here: As a Stormwatch Brews, Part Two of Oregon Coast Viewing Hotspots

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



MORE PHOTOS BELOW






Booking.com


More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


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.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Upcoming S. Oregon Coast Events Include Gem Show, History: Coos Bay, Bandon
May 6 talk at Coos History Museum, Mayfly Fest May 17, Bandon Rock / Gem Show June 7,8

S. Oregon Coast Spring: Bandon Messages in a Bottle; Events in Port Orford, C...
Port Orford and Bandon history events March 1; Bottles return in March. South coast events

N. Oregon Coast's 'Cheese War' a Quiet Part of Tillamook-Area History: See th...
History talk in Nehalem on April 26 about Tillamook battles. Manzanita events, Cannon Beach events, Tillamook events

Plane Skids Off Runway on S. Oregon Coast, Into Coos Bay Waters
All five were rescued and are okay

Washington Coast Gets Another Green Light for Razor Clamming, April 26 - May 3
Long Beach, Copalis, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks. Washington events

Earth Week at N. Oregon Coast's Netarts Bay Gets Down, Dirty and Engaging
April 18 - 19 in Netarts: asking for volunteers. Oceanside events, Tillamook events

Minor Road Work on Two Oregon Coast Towns This Week: Astoria, Lincoln City
Some traffic issues to look out for in Astoria and Lincoln City near or during spring break

Washington Coast Razor Clam Digs Get Green Light for March 8 - 14, More Coming
There are tentative digs into May for Long Beach, Copalis, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks. Washington coast events


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