Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A "ghost forest" emerges from the beach during a super low tide at Neskowin on the Oregon coast.

The Oregon coast is full of low-tide treasures – natural wonders and manmade objects hidden in the surf – but to see some of them you have to wait until the tide is especially low.

In 2019, the lowest tides will arrive during short periods at the end of spring and in summer, setting up good opportunities for tide pool explorers, beach adventurers and photographers. This year's lowest low tide events will occur from June 4 to 6, July 3 to 5 and August 1 to 2, according to predictions by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.



During these low tides, attractions like the Neskowin Ghost Forest, the Boiler Bay boiler and Devils Punchbowl will emerge and be safe to see, while other tide pools, caves and coves will also become accessible.



READ MORE: 10 low-tide treasures on the Oregon coast

Don't Edit

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A shipwrecked boiler is accessible in Boiler Bay only during extreme low tides.

Don't Edit

Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian

A woman makes her way through exposed rocks at Coquille Point in Bandon during an extreme low tide.

Don't Edit

It should go without saying, but just because the tide is out doesn’t mean these adventures are safe. Newly-exposed rocks are often slippery, and small pools and holes are easy to fall into. It’s also worth remembering that the tide will inevitably come back in.

Most notable among the events is the one that falls over the Fourth of July holiday, one of the busiest times of the year at the Oregon coast. If you plan on driving down for the day, it will be wise to show up early. If you want to spend the night, you should probably have a reservation already in place.

Don't Edit

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Inside Devils Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave near Otter Rock that is only accessible during low tide.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

A man makes his way along the intertidal rocks near Haystack Rock at low tide in Cannon Beach.

Don't Edit

The low tide events all occur during the morning, typically somewhere between 6 and 10 a.m. Tide levels and specific times vary between locations on the coast. You check predictions online at noaa.gov or find tide tables at visitor centers and local businesses.



Ocean tides are controlled by the gravitational force between the Earth, the sun and the moon. The tide fluctuates the most during full moons and new moons, as the alignment of all three heavenly bodies creates a stronger gravitational pull. All of these major low tide events occur in the days directly following a new moon.

--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB

Don't Edit