Tillamook County, OR · Pacific Ocean
Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda)
33305 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
A 3-mile beach below the sandstone Cape Kiwanda headland — the only Oregon beach where dory boats launch directly off the sand into the surf to fish. Another Haystack Rock (different from Cannon Beach's — Oregon has two). Pelican Brewing started here.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
12.8ft waves · NWS alert active
Safety
- 12.8ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — high wind warning issued november 7 at 9:50am pst until november 7 at 11:00pm pst by nws portland or
Best for walking 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.
Beach Hazards Statement issued November 6 at 11:59PM PST until November 8 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Portland OR
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement on the beaches, sneaker waves possible. For the High Surf Warning, large sneaker waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 33 feet. * WHERE...Clatsop and Tillamook Coast, and South Washington Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Saturday night. For the High Surf Warning, from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low- lying shoreline. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Caution should be used when in or near the water, especially those who will be razor clamming. Keep children and pets away from the surf zone. Keep off of jetties, rocks and logs near the surf zone. If you see someone swept into the sea do not swim in after them. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.
High Surf Warning issued November 6 at 11:59PM PST until November 8 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Portland OR
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement on the beaches, sneaker waves possible. For the High Surf Warning, large sneaker waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 33 feet. * WHERE...Clatsop and Tillamook Coast, and South Washington Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Saturday night. For the High Surf Warning, from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low- lying shoreline. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Caution should be used when in or near the water, especially those who will be razor clamming. Keep children and pets away from the surf zone. Keep off of jetties, rocks and logs near the surf zone. If you see someone swept into the sea do not swim in after them. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.
High Wind Warning issued November 7 at 9:50AM PST until November 7 at 11:00PM PST by NWS Portland OR
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ252)
The PQR office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- WAZ201 LONG BEACH WASHINGTON n/a
- ORZ101 SEASIDE AND CANNON BEACH OREGON n/a
- ORZ102 MANZANITA, ROCKAWAY BEACH AND PACIFIC CITY OREGON n/a
- ORZ103 LINCOLN CITY OREGON n/a
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:33 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 10:57 AM | High | 8.9 ft |
| 5:25 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:01 AM | High | 7.2 ft |
| 5:14 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 11:30 AM | High | 9.0 ft |
| 6:04 PM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:47 AM | High | 7.2 ft |
| 5:53 AM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 12:02 PM | High | 9.0 ft |
| 6:42 PM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:29 AM | High | 7.3 ft |
| 6:31 AM | Low | 3.5 ft |
| 12:34 PM | High | 8.9 ft |
| 7:18 PM | Low | -0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:10 AM | High | 7.2 ft |
| 7:08 AM | Low | 3.8 ft |
| 1:07 PM | High | 8.7 ft |
| 7:56 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 AM | High | 7.1 ft |
| 7:45 AM | Low | 4.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 8.4 ft |
| 8:34 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:31 AM | High | 6.9 ft |
| 8:23 AM | Low | 4.3 ft |
| 2:15 PM | High | 8.1 ft |
| 9:14 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9437540, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 6 — high
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Beach Info
Parking
Tillamook County lot at Cape Kiwanda: $10/day. Some free street parking in town.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
33305 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) today?
Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) 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 Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed.
Is there an entry fee at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda)?
Entry to Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda)?
Amenities at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) include restrooms, showers, restaurant (Pelican Brewing), kayak rentals.
When is the water warmest at Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda)?
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 Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) located?
Pacific City Beach (Cape Kiwanda) is in Tillamook County, OR, at 33305 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS