Surrounded by Scenic Views
With towering dunes, rugged rock formations, and gnarly waves, the Tillamook Coast doesn’t lend itself to laidback, casual surfing. But, depending on the time of year and location, surfers of all experience levels can find and ride their wave here on the Tillamook Coast.
Safety First
Wetsuits are mandatory year round, and conditions can change quickly. Check weather reports and tide charts before heading out.
Where to Catch a Wave
Pacific City
Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City is Oregon surf culture personified. Scenic views in every direction, happy families laid out on beach blankets, and playful pooches romping in the sand make this a prime spot to check out the waves. Take a hike up the Cape Kiwanda sand dune between surfing the breaks.
Rent a board or catch a lesson (weather and conditions-dependent) at Moment Surf Co., a locally owned shop. Pacific City is also home to the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic surf competition, held annually every September, which brings heaps of surfers and spectators alike to ride the waves.
Oceanside
Located due west of Tillamook, the quaint town of Oceanside is a beautiful spot to catch a break. Head into Oceanside Surf Co. for gear rentals and recommendations, and then head down to the beach to try to get lucky with the waves. The scenery here is endless, and with Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge as your backdrop (home to the largest colony of nesting seabirds in Oregon) you’ll have plenty of feathered friends to share the waves with. Don’t miss the tunnel carved into the rocks – it leads to a secluded beach on the north side.
Manzanita
A true gem of surfing on the Oregon Coast, Oswald West State Park lies two miles north of Manzanita. A short hike through a coastal rainforest leads you to the ever popular Short Sands (also known as Shorty’s), a sheltered cove beach perfect for catching a break. Tide pools and natural waterfalls await you at this oasis of Oregon beauty. Make sure to stop by Bahama Mama’s gear shop in Manzanita to rent wetsuits and boards before heading to the waves.
