Broad sandy beaches like this one at Lincoln City's Nelscott district probably won't be a problem, even during high tides(Oregon Coast) – Big holiday, big tides: that’s what’s in store for the Oregon coast this week and weekend, as high tides are predicted to be above ten feet. It’s resulted in Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) issuing an alert for high tides and dangerous sneaker waves that could easily swipe unaware beachgoers after they’ve been lulled into a false sense of security by the fantastic weather expected all week."This is a good time to keep an eye on the ocean," said OPRD beach safety education coordinator Robert Smith. "Even the most experienced beachcombers can be caught unaware unless they stay alert."
Smith said that sneaker waves become especially dangerous at times of high tides and during winter storms. "Also, our beaches become narrower when sand is eroded away leaving little room to escape at some points," he added.Stunning weather for the Oregon coast region is predicted all week, with sunny, blue skies and no trace of rain – another factor that will draw even more to the coastline. In spite of the lovely atmospheric conditions, tides are expected to be abnormally high. although that may not mean much, considering the calm state of the waves.
Hug Point: the first bend and the second are seen here, both covered in high waves during calm conditions.Keith Chandler, manager of the Seaside Aquarium, said this doesn’t mean there’s much extra danger on the coast. “Right now, the waves are as flat as a fritter,” he said. “There’s no storm system predicted to come in, so it’s not cause for alert. Just be a little extra careful about sneaker waves. If there was a big storm coming in, then a 10-foot high tide would a big deal.”
Smith said that people should not defer plans to take Thanksgiving holiday breaks on the coast. "Ask any storm watcher - this is a great time to enjoy the beauty of the ocean shore. People just need to respect the ocean by being aware of their surroundings and paying attention to warnings on safety signs."
High tides will be good for spectacles like the spouting horn at Depoe BayChandler said 10-foot high tides are about as high as he’s ever seen them. It means a lot of rocky places, like Hug Point, Arcadia State Park, parts of Newport and Gleneden Beach, etc., won’t be accessible. But bigger, sandy beaches, like those of Cannon Beach, Seaside, Lincoln City and Florence will be fine, except for the danger of sneaker waves.These tides don’t create too much to worry about, otherwise, Chandler said. “If it was a surf that was getting big on top of the high tides, then it would be dangerous. But you’ve got to watch sneaker waves even on a four-foot tide. It means the rivers will be higher, however. But we get that with big rains too.”
Seaside's beach is a broad and rather safe oneHigh tides as well as storms also leave beach hazards to watch for, said Smith. "Some logs that were well above the surf line and appeared safe in the summer may be unstable now. It's especially important now to stay clear of logs."Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
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Tiffany Boothe, with the Seaside Aquarium, said sneaker waves are common and often catch people off guard while standing onshore. “You can't see them and they are impossible to predict,” she said. “These occur when smaller waves pile up on top each other to form one large wave – sometimes twice as large as the previous sets. Also, they can carry large pieces of debris with them such as logs, which present a whole set of other dangers.” Boothe said sneaker waves are a universal coastal phenomenon, although they are known to be more common in some areas than others. In the United States, northern California, Oregon and Washington are particularly affected. They can occur at anytime, even if it is calm and the surf is small.
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The bay at Waldport will not be accessible at such high tidesOn the flipside of the high tides, there will be some rather magnificent low tides, Chandler said: around one foot minus tides. “They’ll be at night, though, so you won’t see much. You’ll probably see a lot of clam diggers at night, and a lot of lanterns.”Storm watchers need to be alert to cliffside hazards, Smith warned. "The power of the ocean can have a long reach," he said. "Wind and rain can cause unstable conditions on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Wandering off trails for a closer look can be a bad idea."Newport beach expert Guy DiTorrice noted two of the fatalities in 2006’s winter season involved comforting-looking bluffs. “Remember that we lost a couple tourists last year who were sitting on a sandstone headland undercut by huge waves, taking them out to sea,” said DiTorrice.Other beach safety tips and closer looks at the dangers of sneaker waves, rolling logs and rip currents are presented online at www.oregonbeachsafety.org.
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. http://www.dsandsmotel.com/. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.theoceanlodge.com/
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ASTORIAWhere the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
CANNON BEACHA mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
DEPOE BAYA spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORTTime-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes
