Best Places for Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast
When the weather turns in Oregon, locals know it’s time to grab a cozy sweater, a thermos of hot cocoa, and head out to one of the many vantage points along Oregon’s rugged coast for storm watching. There’s no spectacle quite like the sight of towering surf crashing against jutting cliffs while powerful winds whip up a frothy sea.
1. Ecola State Park
Perched just north of the bustling town of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs being battered by ocean swells. The Park provides convenient parking, so take full advantage. Remember to zip up your windbreaker — the gusts up here can be fierce!2. Heceta Head Lighthouse
For a combination of stormy seas and historic charm, check out the Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence. Its coastal heights, ideal for viewing the tempestuous sea, also make it one of the most -photographed Oregon icons. There’s a certain magic observing storms around the glow of the guiding light.
3. Devil’s Churn
Just south of Yachats, Devil’s Churn is a narrow inlet where waves roar, churn, and crash against the rocky coast. Remember to respect Mother Nature’s power and keep a safe distance from the edge, especially during a storm.4. Cape Perpetua Overlook
At 800 feet and the highest point reachable by vehicle on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua Overlook also offers the most exceptional seat in the house for storm watching. For the adventurous, there’s nearby camping at Cape Perpetua Campground… if you can brave it!5. Shore Acres State Park
Just south of Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park is famed for massive, cliff-clouting wave action during bad weather. After the spectacle, do warm up at the charming Charleston Harbor Inn nearby.6. Cannon Beach
The Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach serves as a brutal reminder of the ocean’s power during stormy weather. Stay in a beachfront hotel for a front-row view, perhaps the cozy Schooner’s Cove Inn, and hunker down as nature does what she does best.7. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Boiler Bay, located near Depoe Bay, is named after the boiler of the shipwrecked J. Marhoffer, visible at low tide. The view from the park overlook across crashing waves to the boiler during a storm is a distinctive Oregon experience.8. Neahkahnie Mountain
The best views sometimes require a bit of effort. Take the moderate hike up Neahkahnie Mountain near Manzanita, and you’ll be rewarded with splendid storm-watching sites. Don’t forget your sturdy hiking boots!9. Newport Historic Bayfront
Apart from offering great storm views, the Historic Bayfront also entices with its shops, restaurants, and the renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium. Head to the iconic Mo’s Seafood & Chowder for a bowl of comfort after all that storm-watching!10. Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
Situated between Newport and Lincoln City, Otter Crest gifts visitors with panoramic views of the coast and surging ocean. For added comfort and elegance, consider booking a room at the nearby Whale Cove Inn.And there you have it, Oregonians! A whirlwind tour of your rugged, beloved coastline; ready for the storm season. As long as you remember to admire from a safe distance, storm watching can be a breathtaking experience — a true testament of Oregon’s raw, natural beauty. So let’s embrace the tempestuous weather together, for it’s part of what makes this home. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep falling in love with the untamed charm of the Oregon Coast.