Each winter, some of the year's highest tides transform the Oregon Coast.
Known as King Tides, these exceptionally high tides can push water farther into estuaries, narrow beaches, fill tidal channels and dramatically change familiar coastal landscapes. When they coincide with large Pacific swells or winter storms, the results can be especially impressive.
Florence offers several ways to experience this seasonal phenomenon—from elevated coastal viewpoints to the Siuslaw River and estuary.
When Are the 2026–27 Oregon King Tides?
The 2026–27 Oregon King Tides are expected during three windows:
• November 23–27, 2026
• December 22–26, 2026
• January 20–24, 2027
The Oregon King Tides Project encourages residents and visitors to safely photograph these extreme high tides. These images help document how today's highest tides affect Oregon's coastline and provide a glimpse at how coastal areas may respond to higher sea levels in the future.
What Is a King Tide?
“King Tide” is a popular term for an exceptionally high tide associated with the gravitational alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun.
One important distinction: King Tides are not storms.
A King Tide can occur on a calm winter day. However, when unusually high water coincides with a large Pacific swell or winter storm, coastal conditions can become much more dramatic.
Beaches may become significantly narrower, waves can reach areas that normally remain dry, and tidal waters can rise noticeably in rivers, estuaries and other low-lying areas.
Where Can You Experience King Tides Near Florence?
Florence is an interesting place to observe King Tides because the Pacific Ocean is only part of the landscape.
The area includes beaches, the Siuslaw River and estuary, coastal dunes, wetlands and rocky headlands, providing several perspectives on changing water levels.
Elevated viewpoints around Heceta Head and the surrounding coastline can provide views of the Pacific, particularly when large swells are moving toward shore.
The Siuslaw River and estuary offer another perspective. King Tides aren't only about waves crashing along the coast—they also demonstrate how dramatically tidal water can move through rivers, bays, marshes and other low-lying areas.
And sometimes the best place to watch winter weather is somewhere warm, dry and safely elevated with a view of the Pacific.
Photograph the King Tides
Visitors can also contribute to the Oregon King Tides Project, a statewide citizen-science effort documenting exceptionally high tides along the Oregon Coast.
Participants photograph coastal areas during King Tides and submit their observations. Photos taken from the same locations over multiple years can help illustrate how unusually high water affects beaches, roads, docks, estuaries and other coastal areas.
Visit the Oregon King Tides Project for current participation information and photo-submission instructions.
King Tide Safety
King Tides can be fascinating to experience, but conditions along the Oregon Coast can also be dangerous.
When viewing King Tides:
• Choose elevated viewpoints whenever possible.
• Stay well back from the surf line.
• Never turn your back on the ocean.
• Avoid exposed rocks, jetties and wave-washed areas.
• Never stand on or near large logs on the beach.
• Pay attention to weather, surf and tide forecasts.
• Obey beach closures and warning signs.
• Keep children and pets close.
• If conditions look dangerous, watch from somewhere safely away from the water.
Always check current local tide predictions and weather and surf conditions before heading out.
Experience Winter in Florence
King Tides are just one reason to experience Florence during winter.
The beaches are quieter, the skies can be dramatic, and the dunes, forests, river and ocean take on a completely different character from the summer months.
Make a weekend of your visit with a walk through Historic Old Town, local dining, storm watching, wildlife viewing or a cozy stay along the Oregon Coast.
