Top Surfing Spots Along the Oregon Coast: A Local’s Guide

The Oregon coast, with its raw beauty and powerful swells, is a magnet for surfing enthusiasts. And while we may not sport the balmy weather of SoCal or Hawaii, our coastline offers a unique adventure for those brave souls ready to don a wetsuit and take on our Pacific waves. Let’s dive right in and explore the best surfing spots Oregon has to offer.

1. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is an obvious first mention. It’s an iconic Oregon landmark, ringed by crisp salty air and stunning views. Known for its massive Haystack Rock, it’s not just a hit with the photographers. The surf here is highly consistent, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. Just remember to keep an eye on the tide charts!

2. Oswald West State Park

Often called Short Sands, or ‘Shorty’s’ by the locals, this spot nestled in Oswald West State Park is a safe haven for surfers of all levels. A scenic trail through coastal rainforest leads to the beach which amplifies the whole surfing experience. Good thing about Shorty’s is that it rarely gets flat, so it’s pretty reliable year-round.

3. Pacific City

Pacific City offers the unique opportunity of launching your surf adventure straight from the sand with no paddle-out needed. Nestled near the giant Cape Kiwanda dune, this beach break is perfect for beginners, and it’s home to Moment Surf Co where you can find gear and locals’ advice on the best wave to ride.

4. Otter Rock

Known for its rolling break and stunning cliff scenery, Otter Rock is great for beginners. Nestled between Depoe Bay and Newport, Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area offers a great lookout point to scope out the surf conditions. This spot also hosts the Otter Rock and Roll youth surf contest each June—an event most certainly worth watching.

5. Indian Beach

A real gem in Ecola State Park, Indian Beach caters to surfers who like right hand waves. With beautiful views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, it is less crowded than its neighbor, Cannon Beach. The surf does get finicky with the break depending largely on the state of the tide, so timing is key here.

6. Florence South Jetty

Located on the South side of the Siuslaw River, Florence South Jetty is known for well-formed waves and the cafe at Harbor Vista campground serves up the best post-surf clam chowder in town. Avoid tangles with the fishing lines of the locals lined up along the jetty and respect the sand dune habitat on your way to the beach.

7. Seaside Cove

The locals love Seaside Cove, but it’s known as a gnarly spot that’s best left to the experienced surfers. It gets consistently big, and on high surf days, those crashing waves can definitely give you a thrilling ride. Its natural geological cove allows for a bit more predictable wave path, making it easier to navigate for the seasoned surfer.

8. Lincoln City

Lincoln City offers variety with multiple beach breaks to enjoy. Nelscott Reef and Roads End Point break are popular spots here. Be sure to drop by Safari Town Surf shop for the locally manufactured wetsuits and hand-crafted boards. Just beware of heavy riptides and bigger swells in fall and winter.

9. Agate Beach

Just North of Newport, Agate Beach offers consistent surf year-round. It’s a popular spot, but there’s plenty of space to spread out. The Discovery Series surf event takes place here every March, so come watch or participate in the local talent showcase!

10. Cape Lookout

This spot near Netarts Bay isn’t for the faint-hearted and we recommend it for advanced surfers only. It can get crowded, especially on the weekends, but it’s worth it for the right and left breaking waves that can stretch up to 300 meters.

And there you have it. These are spots that have the unmistakable heart of Oregon – cold water, big waves, and vistas that take your breath away. Always remember to respect the ocean, it’s a powerful force out here on the northern Pacific. Enjoy and safe surfing!