The Pacific Northwest is home to a different breed of surfers: cold water kooks. which means you must constantly wear a wetsuit + booties all year long along with a steady supply of coffee and beer. The Oregon coast is a breathtaking place, and everyone should have the chance to experience its beauty and if possible surf it. Wether you are new to surfing or experienced this article will cover 5 great spots to hang loose Oregon style.
1. THE COVE
Just outside the touristy town of Seaside, OR awaits the cove, also known as Seaside cove. This particular spot is a reef and point break with a consistent swell especially in the winter. The swell works best from North or southwest winds. Some hazards to be aware of are rocks, sharks, rip tides and an occasional grumpy local.
Level: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Forecast: https://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/seaside-oregon
2. ECOLA STATE PARK (INDIAN BEACH)
North of Canon beach follow the signs to Ecola State park; entrance & parking is about $5 for the day and well worth staying for a colorful sunset and beach bonfire. Past the park ranger stand you will find yourself driving down a narrow road through a beautiful grove of growth forest, full of moss and sunlight poking though the ancient trees. At the end of the windy road, is the parking lot for Indian beach and some killer hiking trails along secluded coast cliffs. The swell at Indian beach is best in the summer although it does have mostly consistent waves throughout the year. Wind is best from Southwest and Eastern winds. Hazards to be aware of are rips, sharks, and rocks. A fun fact about this spot is that this park was a where the movie ” The Goonies” was filmed.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Forecast: http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Indian-Beach
3. OSWALD WEST STATE PARK (SHORT SANDS)
Short sands as the locals call it, is a gem of its own nestled in a spacious cove (smugglers cove) along side an old growth forest. There are two parking lots that both have beach access trails, AND parking is free! The beach trail is about a 1/2 mile walk down though an old growth forest and freshwater creek running into the ocean. The Swell comes from the Southwest with smugglers cove protecting it from harsh weather and winds. You can expect year round consistency with big waves in the winter months and calm longer waves in the summer. Things to be aware of are crowds, car break ins and beginners.
Level: All levels
Forecast: https://www.swellinfo.com/surf-forecast/oswald-west-state-park-oregon
4. CAPE KIWANDA
Located in Pacific City right along Cape Kiwanda State Natural area, lies a beautiful open beach with free beach-front parking. To the right of the beach is giant sand dune worth climbing up, and either running or sand boarding down! This spot includes both a reef and beach break, with swell winds coming from the west creating fairly consistent waves year long. Hazards to be aware of are sharks, crowds, and dory boats.
Level: All levels
Forecast: https://magicseaweed.com/Cape-Kiwanda-Surf-Report/560/
5. OTTER ROCK
Just 10-15 mins North of Newport is Otter Rock; located right next to Devils Punchbowl state recreational area. This spot is a beach break perfect for beginners & long-boarders, as well as offers good protection from Northwest winds. The best swell comes from the West and wind from the East. Be cautious of the rips close to the rocks & reef especially during winter and spring months. Swell is consistent year round but especially crowded during the Summertime and fall months, so be aware of crowds during the day.
Levels: All Levels
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