The Best Places for Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast

The winter months in Oregon bring not only rain and colder temperatures but also some of Mother Nature’s most majestic displays – winter storms. These spectacular events churn the Pacific ocean, batter the shoreline, and can be paired with a cup of warm brew while sitting by the fireplace. If the rhythm of the rain on your rooftop is music to your ears, this list is for you. Here are the ten best locations for storm watching along the Oregon coast.

1. Cannon Beach

Right off the quaint town of Cannon Beach, the iconic Haystack Rock stands firm against the waves. Storm watching from any one of the multiple beachfront properties, like the Surfsand Resort, reveals crashing waves and scudding clouds rolling in. Be sure to check the tide tables to safely explore the tidepools at low tide before the storm hits.

2. Newport

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport offers fantastic storm watching opportunities. The lighthouse’s height and curvature perfectly frame the tumultuous seas. Pop into the nearby Rogue Ales Brewery for a delicious local beer to sip on as the tempest rages outside.

3. Pacific City

With the famous Cape Kiwanda just offshore, Pacific City’s sandy beach provides a unique vantage point for storm watching. Grab a beachfront seat at the Pelican Brewery (best visited during high tide), where you can see the waves crash against the rocky sides of the cape.

4. Yachats

Yachats is a storm watcher’s paradise, thanks to its rocky shorelines. Rain, wind, and surf combine to create dramatic displays of natural power. Stay at the Adobe Resort, which is placed perfectly on the edge of the Pacific!

5. Manzanita

Manzanita is a peaceful town offering unspoiled vistas of the ocean. This is the place for those who prefer watching storms roll in while nestled in a cozy cabin, surrounded by tall pine trees. Check out the vacation rentals available in the town, some outfitted with window-clad reading nooks for the optimal storm gazing experience.

6. Cape Perpetua

Just south of Yachats lies Cape Perpetua, the highest accessible viewpoint on the Oregon Coast. As a storm watcher, you’re in for a treat at this location. Nothing beats the thunderous spectacle of the tide crashing into the Devil’s Churn – a unique inlet that intensifies the ocean’s churn.

7. Astoria

Astoria is as famous for the Goonies movie as it is for its storm watching. Clasp a cup of hot joe from the Astoria Coffee House to keep you warm as you wander the historic River walk and watch the storms blanket the city.

8. Coos Bay

An amalgamation of river and ocean, Coos Bay has vast landscapes that perform beautifully during a storm. Visit Shore Acres State Park and the adjacent botanical gardens for breathtaking views and a stormy stroll among the wind-swept trees.

9. Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay boasts of the smallest navigable harbor in the world. This means storm surf surges into the harbor and shoots water high into the air. A mere few steps away, enjoy locally caught Dungeness crab from Gracie’s Sea Hag to warm up while enduring the winter squall.

10. Bandon

Bandon’s array of sea stacks provides a unique silhouette against Oregon’s rainy skyline. Book a sea-view room at the Table Rock Motel, where from the comfort of your room, you can watch storms passing over these grand natural sculptures.

Storm watching on the Oregon Coast is an experience like no other. Each location offers unique settings and local gems for you to discover. So grab your rain gear, lace up your boots, and get out there – because as we like to say here in Oregon, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Happy storm watching, folks!