Wave watching along the Oregon coast can be quite exciting when the big winter storms roll in from across the Pacific Ocean.
Oregonians are known for flocking to the coast when winter storms rile up the Pacific Ocean and send huge waves crashing ashore. Local media can be depended on to report the when and where. Peggy and I escaped to one of the best locations on the coast a few weeks ago, Cape Arago near Coos Bay. Both of us were kept busy with our cameras.
Hundreds of seals were hanging out on the beach here and up in the rocks. I am always amazed by how they can climb.
It’s best to appreciate the waves from a safe distance. Every year people are washed out to sea by getting too close! Your chances of survival are slender when one of these monsters grabs you. BTW: More seals on the rocks.
And then there are those who live for the next big wave! This one was a little guy.
It doesn’t hurt to have gorgeous scenery to back up the wave action! This photo is from Sunset Beach State Park where Peggy and I were camping.The next five are south of the state park along Cape Arago.
I’ll finish our visit here with a shot of the churning ocean after a wave hits, which I find almost as amazing as the wave itself.
NEXT POSTS:
On Tuesday’s Blog-a-Book: The next chapter in the Sierra Trek. Sixteen miles without water and a Trekker is lost… or goes awol. And a humongous rattlesnake presents a unique challenge.
On Thursday’s Travel Blog: We visit the very strange but beautiful Sunset Bay.
Yeah, ocean waves crashing against the Pacific shore are much more pleasant to contemplate, Andrew, than the waves of Trump-Inspired rioter crashing against the Halls of Congress. One is natural… –Curt
There are several places along the California coast I love, Ray, like Pt. Reyes National Sea Shore and Big Sur… Peggy and I have found the Oregon Coast to be beautiful We are just glad that it is a morning’s drive away! –Curt
Such a spectacular show, great captures! I love the oceans and I miss the fact I wasn’t able to see one in awhile. We found a foggy coast when we reached Pacific Ocean by the Cannon Beach few years ago, nevertheless, it was spectacular too😊
Thanks, Christie. Canon Beach provides a wonderful beach walk that goes on and on. And Haystack rock adds dramatic scenery. I also like the town of Canon. Fog is always a possibility on the coast, and interestingly, is more common in the summer. Peggy and I are lucky to be three hours away from the coast and try to escape over there once a month for a few days. 🙂 –Curt
If we didn’t have so many rivers draining mud into the Gulf, and if we had some rocks, and if the offshore slope weren’t so smooth and gradual — our coast would look just like yours! Fabulous photos of your completely different coast. What a treat.
Glorious! We were just saying we need to get to the ocean soon. It’s been too long, and with Covid… who knows how much longer. Thanks for taking us there!!
My pleasure. 🙂 You could probably escape the crowds on the back trails of Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Grin. But who knows. It was one of my favorite winter escapes when I lived in Sacramento!
Peggy and I almost headed over again this week. They are spectacular. Some of the best I have ever seen were down below Carmel. Thanks for commenting. –Curt
I would have loved to have gotten footage of that. I miss going down to the ocean when the swells are big. I used to take pictures all the time and footage. When I grew up in that area
I video taped the waves rolling in Colorado, but WP didn’t cooperate when I tried to download them. 🙂 Did you live in Oregon or elsewhere in the Northwest?
Jumped over to your blog and played around. Fun. In terms of ghost stories, did you make it to Fort Mifflin? Lots of ghosts wandering around there, possibly including my ancestors. 🙂 –Curt
We lived in Vancouver Washington. And we were out on the coast all the time. I’ve never been to that fort though. And I’m kind of surprised I’ve never heard of it. Cuz I’m kind of into forts. I’m going to have to look that one up
We are back at the ocean, now Crystal, down at Brookings. Beautiful out, but no great splashing waves. Fun tide pools and sunsets, and sea stacks, however. Thanks. –Curt
Wandering through Time and Place 
Spectacular indeed and takes your mind off the big waves in Washington!
Yeah, ocean waves crashing against the Pacific shore are much more pleasant to contemplate, Andrew, than the waves of Trump-Inspired rioter crashing against the Halls of Congress. One is natural… –Curt
For years, Alie and I heard about the beautiful California coast, but when we finally drove from L.A. to Portland, we enjoyed Oregon much more.
There are several places along the California coast I love, Ray, like Pt. Reyes National Sea Shore and Big Sur… Peggy and I have found the Oregon Coast to be beautiful We are just glad that it is a morning’s drive away! –Curt
You made it quite obvious why both your cameras were so busy!
🙂 Mother Nature can be grand, G. –Curt
Such a spectacular show, great captures! I love the oceans and I miss the fact I wasn’t able to see one in awhile. We found a foggy coast when we reached Pacific Ocean by the Cannon Beach few years ago, nevertheless, it was spectacular too😊
Thanks, Christie. Canon Beach provides a wonderful beach walk that goes on and on. And Haystack rock adds dramatic scenery. I also like the town of Canon. Fog is always a possibility on the coast, and interestingly, is more common in the summer. Peggy and I are lucky to be three hours away from the coast and try to escape over there once a month for a few days. 🙂 –Curt
You are so lucky to have the ocean so close!! xx
Yes! 🙂
Oh these images are so very stunning. What a great get-away!
Thanks, Sylvia. Peggy and I love our escapes to the coast in our small RV which allows us to avoid Covid. –Curt
AMAZING! I agree about the Pacific, it does make some darn good waves! I’ve got a pretty good batch of shots of those myself.
Every photo collection should have a few, MB! 🙂 Thanks. Curt
I love watching waves.
Exciting, restful, and something for the soul as well, Peggy! 🙂 –Curt
If we didn’t have so many rivers draining mud into the Gulf, and if we had some rocks, and if the offshore slope weren’t so smooth and gradual — our coast would look just like yours! Fabulous photos of your completely different coast. What a treat.
Thanks, Linda. 🙂 That is a few ifs….
Glorious! We were just saying we need to get to the ocean soon. It’s been too long, and with Covid… who knows how much longer. Thanks for taking us there!!
My pleasure. 🙂 You could probably escape the crowds on the back trails of Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Grin. But who knows. It was one of my favorite winter escapes when I lived in Sacramento!
Beautiful but somewhat scary.
They can be if you don’t keep your distance! Otherwise they are just beautiful and magnificent. 🙂
I can’t wait to get there!! Sooo beautiful Curt!
An easy day’s drive from Bend (depending of course on the snow over the mountains :)) –Curt
I am always mesmerized watching waves. So much proof of nature’s power.
A good observation, Gerard. The waves definitely speak to the power of the ocean! –Curt
Those are some waves you captured there, Curt. And you’re right: they, like snowstorms, are best admired from a distance.
Thanks, Cynthia. Yes, best to stay out of blizzards and monster waves. –Curt
I heard they were expecting 30 foot waves along the Pacific Coast this week. I was bummed I could film it. I miss my home in Cali
Peggy and I almost headed over again this week. They are spectacular. Some of the best I have ever seen were down below Carmel. Thanks for commenting. –Curt
I would have loved to have gotten footage of that. I miss going down to the ocean when the swells are big. I used to take pictures all the time and footage. When I grew up in that area
I video taped the waves rolling in Colorado, but WP didn’t cooperate when I tried to download them. 🙂 Did you live in Oregon or elsewhere in the Northwest?
Jumped over to your blog and played around. Fun. In terms of ghost stories, did you make it to Fort Mifflin? Lots of ghosts wandering around there, possibly including my ancestors. 🙂 –Curt
We lived in Vancouver Washington. And we were out on the coast all the time. I’ve never been to that fort though. And I’m kind of surprised I’ve never heard of it. Cuz I’m kind of into forts. I’m going to have to look that one up
You captured some great wave explosions.
We are back at the ocean, now Crystal, down at Brookings. Beautiful out, but no great splashing waves. Fun tide pools and sunsets, and sea stacks, however. Thanks. –Curt