What Are King Tides

King tides are the highest tides of the year. They occur when the sun and moon align to create a gravitational pull that lifts the ocean higher than usual. Along the Oregon Coast, these tides appear during the winter months and show what future sea level rise may look like.

The Florence–Yachats region is one of the safest and most scenic areas to witness them. Waves crash against basalt cliffs, dunes flood and reform, and tide pools vanish under white water. The experience is powerful and humbling.

Safety is essential. Watch from high ground or viewing platforms, never from jetties, logs, or tide rocks. Sneaker waves can arrive without warning. Bring waterproof layers, shoes with grip, and check tide charts before you go.

Native History and Coastal Heritage

The coastline between Florence and Yachats lies within the ancestral territory of the Siuslaw, Coos, and Lower Umpqua peoples. These tribes fished, foraged, and built villages along the estuaries for thousands of years. They followed the tides and seasons, gathering mussels, camas, and cedar while honoring the balance between land and sea.

The word Yachats is believed to come from the Alsean term Yáx̣ayk, meaning “dark water at the foot of the mountain.” This land was later absorbed into the Coast Reservation in the 1800s, and despite displacement, the tribes endured. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians continue to restore cultural sites and protect coastal ecosystems that hold their history.

Local Legends and Lore

The Oregon Coast is full of stories that whisper through the wind and the waves. One of the most famous belongs to the Heceta Head Lighthouse, built in 1894. Many who stay in the former keeper’s house speak of Rue, a gentle spirit said to be the ghost of a mother searching for her lost child. Guests report flickering lamps, doors that open on their own, and the scent of roses drifting through empty halls.

In Yachats, legends tell of sea guardians who rise from the foam to protect the cliffs from collapse. Locals say the deep roar of Devil’s Churn is their warning to keep a respectful distance from the sea. Others believe the Spouting Horn and Thor’s Well are gates to the underworld, places where the ocean breathes.

Weather and Conditions

King tides arrive during Oregon’s storm season. Expect steady rain, wind gusts, and cool air that rarely climbs above the mid-40s. Storms and sunlight often trade places within the same hour. Bring layers, gloves, and a hat. Watching the clouds race over the Pacific and the surf explode against the rocks is part of the reward for braving the season.

Whale Watching

From December to mid-January, gray whales migrate south to the lagoons of Baja California. They return north in spring with their calves. During the king tide season, the whales pass close to shore, often visible from Cape Perpetua, Heceta Head, and Cook’s Chasm.

Bring binoculars, look for the heart-shaped spout just beyond the breakers, and stay a few minutes longer than you planned. Patience often brings the best sighting.

Lodging in Florence

Mercer Lake Resort – Forested retreat with cabins and RV spots near calm freshwater and dunes access.

Driftwood Shores Resort – The only beachfront hotel in Florence with every room facing the Pacific. A perfect spot to watch winter surf.

Best Western Pier Point Inn – Overlooks the Siuslaw River and is within walking distance of Old Town shops and restaurants.

Honeyman State Park – Offers yurts, tent sites, and miles of dunes to explore. Great for families and campers.

Lodging in Yachats

Overleaf Lodge & Spa – Oceanfront property with sweeping views of Cape Perpetua and direct access to the 804 Trail. Guests often enjoy watching whales and storms from their balconies.

Fireside Motel – Locally owned, dog friendly, and just steps from the basalt tide pools.

Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge – Vintage coastal motel restored with care. Known for its cozy rooms and direct beach access.

Yachats Inn – Historic and budget friendly with a classic coastal charm. Near both the highway and the shoreline.

Coffee in Florence

Start the morning by warming up with local coffee before you chase the tides.

River Roasters sits beside the Siuslaw River and roasts small-batch beans in-house. The view of the bridge and bay is one of the best in town.

Old Town Coffee Roasters is tucked inside a narrow building downtown, filled with the smell of roasting beans and friendly locals. Grab a latte and walk the boardwalk before heading north toward Heceta Head.

Local Attractions and Hikes

Exploding Whale Memorial Park – Located along the Siuslaw River near downtown Florence, this small park honors one of the most unusual moments in Oregon history. In November 1970, state highway engineers decided to remove a beached gray whale using dynamite, hoping seagulls would clean up the remains. The explosion sent large chunks of blubber raining across the beach and crushed a car parked nearby. No one was seriously hurt, and the story became national news. The park now stands as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Oregon’s quirkiest engineering experiment.

Darlingtonia State Natural Site – A short boardwalk loop through a rare bog filled with Oregon’s only native carnivorous plant, the cobra lily.

Heceta Head Lighthouse – Built in 1894 and still shining 21 miles out to sea. The viewpoint offers one of Oregon’s best photo stops.

Sea Lion Caves – The largest sea cave in the country, home to hundreds of Steller sea lions. Elevators lead down into the basalt cavern where their calls echo through the rock.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – Rising 800 feet above the Pacific, it features Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and the Spouting Horn. During king tides, the waves explode against the rocks and spray into the sky. Stay behind railings, watch from the upper viewpoints, and respect the ocean’s power.

Dining in Florence

Homegrown Public House – Community-driven restaurant focused on local produce, Oregon seafood, and hearty comfort food.

Waterfront Depot – A fine-dining favorite located in a restored train depot on the Siuslaw River. The crab-encrusted halibut is a local legend.

Big Island Hawaiian Barbecue – Family-run and generous with portions. Try the kalua pork or teriyaki chicken for a quick, warm meal after a day of tide watching.

Dining in Yachats and The Drift Inn Story

The Drift Inn – A cornerstone of Yachats hospitality and folklore. Built in the early 1900s, it began as a traveler’s lodge for sailors and loggers. Locals say its walls have absorbed a century of laughter, storms, and stories. Some guests report hearing music in the halls long after the bands pack up. Today it remains a gathering place for artists, travelers, and musicians, with live music almost every night and hearty meals served by candlelight.

Luna Sea Fish House – Owned by a working fisherman, this restaurant serves fresh catches from the local fleet. Simple, honest seafood and a front porch that catches the sea breeze.

Final Tips for King Tide Viewing

Arrive an hour before high tide for the safest and most dramatic views.
Keep pets leashed and children close.
Bring rain gear, gloves, and a thermos of something hot.
Always park in designated areas and avoid driving on wet sand or flooded access roads.
Support local shops and cafes that keep this stretch of the coast vibrant during winter.

Between Florence and Yachats, the land bends into a wild conversation with the sea. The tides rise, the whales pass, and the legends linger in the wind. Whether you come for science, beauty, or healing, the coast has a way of reminding us we are resilient and connected to everything.

Winter’s Wild Edge: Florence to Yachats King Tides Guide