US Coast Guard Issues Advice on Upcoming Oregon / Washington Ocean Hazards

Published 10/06/2026 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – Those visiting the Oregon coast and Washington coast need to start taking some precautions, says the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

The Coast Guard's Northwest District is urging commercial mariners, recreational boaters, and coastal visitors across the Pacific Northwest to prepare for the region's heavy-weather season, warning that many incidents on the water and along the shoreline can be avoided with just the most basic precautions.

'Tis the season for rough coastal weather.

Officials say wearing a life jacket, planning ahead, and staying aware of changing conditions remain the most effective ways to prevent serious accidents.

Coast Guard crews are asking boaters to check bar conditions before heading out, noting that crossing a closed or restricted bar is illegal without authorization from the Captain of the Port. Bar status updates are broadcast on VHF Channel 16 and 22A and posted online.

Pacific Northwest Weather | Oregon, Washington, Coastline (see NW from space) |---| Washington Coast Weather |---| Oregon Coast Weather |---| Inland Oregon Weather

Mariners are also encouraged to file a float plan with a reliable contact, carry a working VHF radio on their person, and monitor tides, currents, and the latest Coastal Waters Forecast from the National Weather Service.

Those in distress should contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or call 911.

The agency is also emphasizing shoreline hazards as fall storms start to kick in. Clam diggers, hikers, and coastal residents are urged to use extreme caution near the surf zone.

There's plenty to watch for out there.

Cape Disappointment, Washington - Angi D Wildt Gallery, Astoria

“Watch out for sneaker waves,” the USCG said. “Sneaker waves are disproportionately large, powerful waves that appear suddenly without warning between sets of smaller waves, surging much farther inland than normal surf.”

At least one person on the Oregon coast dies just about every year by either sneaker waves or getting too close to rocky ledges.

The Coast Guard advises staying off jetties and coastal rocks, where breaking waves can sweep people into cold, fast-moving water. Frigid ocean temperatures can quickly incapacitate anyone caught in the surf, rapidly bringing on hypothermia.

Stormy night at Depoe Bay / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Emergency assistance is available through VHF Channel 16, 911, or regional Coast Guard command centers in Puget Sound and the Columbia River. Bar condition updates are available online, over VHF radio, or through local Coast Guard stations, including units at Grays Harbor, Cape Disappointment, Tillamook Bay, Depoe Bay, Yaquina Bay, Siuslaw River, Umpqua River, Coos Bay, Chetco River, and Quillayute River.

Coast Guard units directly by telephone:

Station Quillayute River: (206) 815-6960

Station Grays Harbor: (206) 815-6661

Station Cape Disappointment: (206) 815-6678

Station Tillamook Bay: (206) 815-6708

Station Depoe Bay: (206) 815-6881

Station Yaquina Bay: (206) 815-7130

Station Siuslaw River: (206) 815-6720

Station Umpqua River: (206) 815-7188

Station Coos Bay: (206) 815-7227

Station Chetco River: (206) 815-7126

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