The Best Places for Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast
The northern winds blow in earnest, and a hard ocean rain begins to sigh against the windowpane – it’s storm watching season on the Oregon Coast. Nowhere else does the fury of Mother Nature more viscerally intertwine with surreal beauty. There’s nothing quite like a cozy sweater, a warm drink, and front-row seats to the celestial rumpus. To help you navigate towards the best spectator spots, here are ten of the finest storm-watching locales on the Oregon Coast.
1. Shore Acres State Park
Just outside of Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park provides exceptional storm viewing from a cliff-top perch. The Simpson Reef Overlook allows for such a spectacular vantage point, you’ll almost feel the splash from the waves crashing on the rocks below. Don’t forget to drop by the gift shop for a steaming cup of hot chocolate, an insider’s secret to ward off the chill.2. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
A few miles north of Depoe Bay, Boiler Bay offers the thrill of watching massive waves crash against basalt shores. Named for the wreckage of a ship’s boiler still visible at low tide, this area doubles as a perfect location for storm watching and a peep into local maritime history.
3. Ecola State Park
With panoramic views of the mighty Pacific, Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach offers several trails leading to high vantage points. On stormy days, hike the Clatsop Loop trail from Indian Beach for some of the most dramatic ocean views – remember to wear rain gear and sturdy boots!4. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
At around 800 feet above sea level, Cape Perpetua, south of Yachats, is the perfect outpost for watching winter storms sweep across the ocean horizon. The space is infamous for ‘Thor’s Well,’ a saltwater fountain driven by Pacific’s unwavering pulse. Head to the visitor center for warmth when the wild weather rolls in.5. Coquille River Lighthouse
Bandon’s Coquille River Lighthouse is an iconic storm-watching setting. You can take refuge within the historic building, watching the swirling tempest over the ocean. Locals often recommend grabbing a hot seafood chowder from Tony’s Crab Shack downtown before heading out to enjoy the display.6. Devil’s Churn
Just south of Yachats, Devil’s Churn is famous for its frothing sea spout, particularly in a storm. It’s advisable to watch the fury from the safety of the overlook. And by the way, do not forget to pop by Bread and Roses Bakery for some sweet, stormy day treats.7. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Wander north of Florence, and you’ll find Heceta Head Lighthouse. Its clifftop position gives a sweeping view of waves rolling toward the shore. Be sure to check out the impressive lens inside the lighthouse, a shining beacon in even the darkest storm.8. Newport’s Nye Beach
In the heart of Newport, Nye Beach offers quaint beach town charm mixed with the adrenaline of storm watching. The beachfront overlook at the Nye Beach Turnaround offers a great panorama of the brewing storm. For a post-storm meal, locals advocate for the clam chowder at Local Ocean Seafoods.9. Cape Kiwanda
In Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda provides a combination of massive sand dunes and rugged cliffs for prime storm watching. It’s easy to spend hours marveling the storm swells around Haystack Rock. And Pacific City’s Pelican Brewing Company is just steps away, serving hearty meals perfect for a stormy day.10. Oswald West State Park
South of Cannon Beach, Oswald West offers scattered viewpoints along Highway 101 to safely enjoy storms. Short Sand Beach typically experiences heavy surf during storms, making it stunning to witness. A local favorite, this area is also a great spot for mushroom spotting during the reduction in the storm.Windswept cliffs, churning seas, and a soundtrack punctuated by the cries of gulls and sea lions – storm watching along the Oregon Coast is a breathtaking ballet of water, wind and raw power. So pull on your rain boots, grab a hot cup of joe, and a friend with daredevil spirit, and experience the stormy symphony of the Oregon Coast. Safe travels and storms!