King Tides And Prince Tides

There are high tides, and then there are the highest of high tides, called King Tides. In Oregon, these annually roll in during the late fall and early winter when the moon, earth and sun align at their closest point and exert a greater gravitational pull on the tides.

This year, the King Tides are already in play, with two more weekends to observe from the comfort of your room at The Fireside Motel: Dec. 13-15 this year and Jan. 11-13 in the new year.

Oregon King Tides Project

The Oregon King Tides Project studies the effects of these highest tides on the coastal environment, including flooding and coastal erosion.

As part of their studies, Oregon King Tides Project partners with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Oregon Sea Grant to host an annual photo contest during the King Tides season. There are four categories of photos: coastal flooding; coastal erosion and waves; bays and estuaries; and comparison between average high tides and King Tides. If you take some good photos during the King Tides, consider participating in the contest, details here. And don’t forget to tag us on social media!

Prince Tides

In addition to the King Tides, there are plenty of high tides just over the 8-foot mark in December, January and February. We like to call these the Prince Tides, and they can be just as fun to watch from your room window or as you walk along the beautiful 804 Trail.

Based on the tides and currents charts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s station in Waldport, these high tides are Dec. 31-Jan. 2, Jan. 28-30 and Feb. 4-6, so book your stay and pack your wet weather gear, just in case, to enjoy the high tides season!

Can’t be here? Check out our Oregon Coast webcam, which looks southwest from just above the scenic soaking tubs at our sister property next door, Overleaf Lodge & Spa. The webcam relays live images of the ocean waves rolling in 24 hours a day.