Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain
Lane County, OR · Pacific Ocean
Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow)
725 Summer St (Cape Creek Rd), Yachats, OR 97498
A sheltered crescent cove at the foot of the 1894 Heceta Head Lighthouse — one of the most photographed scenes on the West Coast. The aqueduct-like 1932 Cape Creek Bridge soars overhead; a 1-mile uphill trail climbs to the lighthouse and the historic keeper's B&B.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
12.8ft waves · NWS alert active · 25 mph wind
Full NWS forecast for Today
A slight chance of rain after 5pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 59 in the afternoon. South wind 10 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 8pm, then rain and patchy fog between 8pm and 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind 6 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Weather
- 61°F air — chilly for a beach day
- 21% rain — pop-up showers possible
- 25 mph wind — strong wind — umbrellas will flip
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Safety
- 12.8ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — gale warning issued november 6 at 11:55pm pst until november 8 at 4:00am pst by nws portland or
Best for photography today
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Gale Warning issued November 6 at 11:55PM PST until November 8 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Portland OR
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Hazardous Seas Warning, very steep and hazardous seas 16 to 17 ft at 14 seconds and southeast winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. For the Gale Warning, seas 14 to 19 ft at 13 seconds and south winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt expected. * WHERE...Coastal waters from Cape Foulweather to Florence OR out 10 NM and Waters from Cape Foulweather to Florence OR from 10 to 60 NM. * WHEN...Hazardous Seas Warning, until 10 AM PST Saturday. Gale Warning, from 10 AM Saturday to 4 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds are most likely to peak between 1700 and 2100.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 10:28 AM | High | 8.9 ft |
| 5:07 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:51 AM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 11:01 AM | High | 9.0 ft |
| 5:45 PM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:21 AM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 5:29 AM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 11:33 AM | High | 9.0 ft |
| 6:21 PM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:03 AM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 6:06 AM | Low | 3.5 ft |
| 12:05 PM | High | 8.9 ft |
| 6:56 PM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:43 AM | High | 7.2 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 3.9 ft |
| 12:37 PM | High | 8.7 ft |
| 7:32 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:24 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 7:19 AM | Low | 4.1 ft |
| 1:10 PM | High | 8.4 ft |
| 8:10 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:06 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 7:57 AM | Low | 4.4 ft |
| 1:45 PM | High | 8.1 ft |
| 8:50 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9435380, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Cloudy
Light Rain
Light Rain Likely
Mostly Cloudy
Chance Light Rain
Light Rain
What to Bring Today
- recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 10 to 25 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paved state-park lot at the base of the bridge; Oregon day-use parking permit required.
Dogs
On 6-ft leash.
Entry Fee
$10/vehicle Oregon day-use.
Address
725 Summer St (Cape Creek Rd), Yachats, OR 97498
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) today?
Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) dog-friendly?
On 6-ft leash.
Is there an entry fee at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow)?
$10/vehicle Oregon day-use.
Are there lifeguards at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow)?
Amenities at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) include restrooms, picnic area, lighthouse tours (seasonal), B&B nearby, hiking trails.
When is the water warmest at Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow)?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) located?
Heceta Head Beach (Devils Elbow) is in Lane County, OR, at 725 Summer St (Cape Creek Rd), Yachats, OR 97498.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS