Surfing
From tourist hotspots to hidden gems, here are some of the best surfs the Beaver State offers.
Katie McConnell got her start in the big-wave surfing scene in Oregon.
It was school, not surfing, that brought the California native to Oregon. After completing an undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz, McConnell enrolled at Oregon State to do graduate work in microbiology. While she was studying, she tested the waters.
“I caught a couple of waves that were the biggest waves I’d ever caught, and I was just so stoked,” she said. Now, after being crowned Red Bull Magnitude’s 2021/2022 Rookie of the Year, McConnell is making some pretty big waves herself.
While it may not have the cultural relevance in the surfing world that California has, the state of Oregon has some premier surfing locations. From tourist hotspots to hidden gems, here is a list of seven of the best surfs the Beaver State offers.
01
Cannon Beach
- Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Best time to surf: Early morning, late afternoon
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular places to surf in Oregon. Located near Portland, Oregon’s largest city, and Salem, Oregon’s state capital, Cannon Beach consistently draws huge crowds, especially in the summer. Because of this, those looking for a good day on the waves should go out early in the morning or wait until around sunset to do so. Aside from the waves, Cannon Beach is also famous for Haystack Rock. The third-tallest intertidal structure in the world, Haystack Rock, is a popular tourist destination as it is home to picturesque views of the ocean and several species of local wildlife.
02
Indian Beach
- Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Best time to surf: When the tide is rising
Located in Ecola State Park, Indian Beach is a solid place for beginner surfers to acclimate to Oregon’s waters. It has all of the beauty that Cannon Beach offers, but thanks to its secluded location (and a $5 entry fee), you won’t have to deal with the same crowds. While newer surfers are encouraged to come here during the summer, the best time for more experienced surfers is in the winter, when the waves are bigger and more powerful. Indian Beach was also the filming location for the final act in Point Break (1991) and some scenes in the Twilight series.
03
Agate Beach
- Location: Lincoln County, Oregon
- Best time to surf: Winter
A slightly tougher surf than Indian Beach, Agate Beach is also a good place for those looking for a more relaxed day on the waves, with the nearest town being a few miles down the road. Its name originates from the agates (multicolored formations of rock) that can be found on the shore. The surf here stays pretty consistent regardless of the tide, but the rip currents here are a major hazard, so be wary of that before you head out. Agate Beach is also home to Ossies Surf Shop, which is a good place for beginners and those new to the area to receive gear, lessons, and tips on when and where to surf.
04
Otter Rock
- Location: Lincoln County, Oregon
- Best time to surf: Winter
A few miles north of Agate Beach, Otter Rock is a very popular place for beginner surfers to go since it is relatively protected from wind currents and massive, overwhelming swells. Otter Rock offers rather consistent surfing conditions all year, so there’s never a bad time to catch some waves here. However, unlike the previous two locations, Otter Rock’s popularity makes crowding a bit of an issue. Another thing that makes Otter Rock such an attractive destination is The Devil's Punch Bowl. Thought to be a former sea cave that collapsed on itself, visitors peer inside the giant hole in the top to watch waves violently thrash around inside the bowl.
05
Short Sand Beach
- Location: Manzanita, Oregon
- Best time to surf: Winter
Many argue that the surfing available at Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park is the best place to go surfing in the state of Oregon. Located a few miles south of Cannon Beach, Short Sand Beach is like the treasure chest at the end of a long journey. You’ll have to walk through some of the park’s heavy vegetation for a few minutes to get there, but the waves and the views are unforgettable. The waves are reliable all year, as the location protects the water from the effects of high winds. Since Short Sand Beach isn’t just a popular place for surfing but also hiking, you should expect to fight through crowds here, especially on summer weekends. This makes winter the best time to go when the crowds are at their weakest, and the waves are at their strongest.
06
Pacific City Beach
- Location: Pacific City, Oregon
- Best time to surf: January
All of the locations so far have been pretty mild in terms of surf difficulty; Pacific City Beach isn’t. There are some areas where beginners can get in on the action, but with an area that can get waves as tall as 12 feet, it draws a lot of attention from more experienced surfers as well. Pacific City Beach is located in Pacific City, and the proximity makes Pacific City one of the more popular surf towns in the state. Moment Surf Company is located here, and they have more than enough gear and staff to set you up for whatever you have planned for the waters that day.
Florence South Jetty
- Location: Florence, Oregon
- Best time to surf: Summer
Rounding out the list is Florence South Jetty. Unlike the other spots we’ve mentioned, Florence South Jetty is best during the summer, when the warmer waters add a calming factor to the usually rocky waves. The swells here hover at around 12 feet on average, sometimes peaking at 15 feet or higher. Getting to Florence South Jetty is a bit of a journey, and the best conditions arise during the late afternoon, so plan your travel accordingly. Another thing to note is that the wave has a tendency to move you out of position based on whichever way the current is headed, so keep an eye on where you are along the shore to make sure that you can find your way back.
Conclusion
Oregon may not always be top of mind for surfers, but there’s no shortage of supreme spots to catch a wave! Whether you’re looking for a place to help you train or a place to catch the best waves, Oregon is a solid pick for surfers of all skill levels!
