Tillamook Coast Life Blog
How To Plan for a Rainy Day at the Tillamook Coast – Part I – Safety
What’s the Weather?
We all love a gorgeous sunny day at the Tillamook Coast with its blue skies, puffy white clouds, and lovely Pacific Ocean breeze. But if you have spent any amount of time in Oregon, you know that the weather isn’t always clear skies and sunshine. We’re here to share how you can plan for a rainy day to the Tillamook Coast. You might be surprised how much fun you can have stomping around in the puddles!
Rainy Season
Although it could technically rain at any time and any month on the Oregon Coast, our true rainy season can start as early as October and end as late as May. This means that during those months, be prepared for anything! We often catch nice breaks of sun throughout many months in the winter, but it’s best to check weather reports before heading out. Don’t let a rainy forecast stop you from having a great time, though!
The King of Tides
King Tides happen on our coast in winter, and these occur when the sun, moon, and earth align at their closest point. Just like the super low tides that bring out clammers and tide poolers in the spring and early summer, King Tides show up at the Oregon Coast in the fall and early winter, bringing massive tides high onto the shore and sometimes even into parking lots and roads.
Large atmospheric rivers and winter storms can coincide with King Tides, meaning the coast can experience extremely high storm surges with lots of force. This could make unsafe conditions along the ocean, bays, and other waterways, especially at high tide. You can check the tides using local tide booklets, apps for your phone, or tide websites.
Staying Safe
The most important thing when planning for a rainy day at the Tillamook Coast is SAFETY. When King Tides or massive storms show up, it is vital to not be on the beach. Sneaker waves are common in the winter and can come up much faster and much higher than the other waves around it. Even when the tide is out pretty far, a sneaker wave can still reach all of the way up the beach. You should never turn your back on the ocean, and pay close attention to children and pets playing near the surf.
Safe Viewpoints
There are quite a few parking lots to view these winter storms from the safety of your car. Check out Barview Jetty for a good view of wave action, or head up to the viewpoints on Neahkahnie Mountain or down to the lighthouse at Cape Meares to watch the waves roll in from afar. If you are feeling famished, check out the parking lot at The Fish Peddler in Bay City. There is plenty of parking for storm watching, and you can always head inside for a nice cup of warm chowder or fresh oysters to watch the storm from the comfort of your table.
Raging Rivers
We have some incredible rivers with excellent winter fishing and kayaking, but make sure to check conditions before towing your boat or heading out. The rivers can run very high during the winter, which can make conditions unsafe for everyone. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, always wear your lifejacket. Many people are rescued every year from our ocean, bays, and rivers, and those with the best chance of survival are the ones wearing lifejackets.
Respect
Coming to the Tillamook Coast with a deep respect for the ocean and the waterways that feed into it should help you remain safe during your winter adventures.
Follow along for Part II as we discuss all of the fun rainy day activities that can be found along the Tillamook Coast!
