King Tides And Prince Tides

There are high tides, and then there are the highest of high tides, called King Tides. In Oregon, these annually roll in during the late fall and early winter when the moon, earth and sun align at their closest point and exert a greater gravitational pull on the tides.

This year, the King Tides will be in play Nov. 5-7 and Dec. 4-6. In the new year, King Tides will be Jan. 1-4, 2026.

Oregon King Tides Project

The Oregon King Tides Project studies the effects of these highest tides on the coastal environment, including flooding and coastal erosion.

As part of their studies, Oregon King Tides Project partners with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Oregon Sea Grant to host an annual photo contest during the King Tides season. There are four categories of photos: coastal flooding; coastal erosion and waves; bays and estuaries; and comparison between average high tides and King Tides. If you take some good photos during the King Tides, consider participating in the contest, details here. And don’t forget to tag us on social media!

Prince Tides

While the King Tides get all the attention, drawing the biggest crowds, there are plenty of high tides just over the 8-foot mark November through February. We like to call these the Prince Tides, and they can be just as dramatic to watch from your room window or as you walk along the beautiful 804 Trail. Another bonus? There are fewer crowds, making your experience a more intimate one.

Check out the tides and currents charts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s station in nearby Waldport to plan your stay during the Prince Tides.

Book your stay and pack your wet weather gear, just in case, to enjoy the high tides season!

While out and about, remember to give the ocean a healthy dose of respect, being careful to stand well back from waves to avoid the approach of powerful, potentially dangerous sneaker waves. Check out these beach safety tips from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

Can’t be here? Check out our Oregon Coast webcam, which looks southwest from just above the scenic soaking tubs at our sister property next door, Overleaf Lodge & Spa. The webcam relays live images of the ocean waves rolling in 24 hours a day.