Surfing in Washington & Oregon

Surfing is a recreational activity usually connected with Hawaii and California, but the states of Washington and Oregon both contain surfing that is on par with some of the better beaches in the other two states. Though the weather and water tend to be cooler than the other states, the surfing in the Pacific Northwest still attracts large crowds of both experienced and novice surfers.

  1. La Push

    • Located near Forks, Washington, this public access beach has waves that are perfect for all age groups. The waves move to the left and right, providing a variety of wave types coming onto the shore. The bottom of the water is sandy and the waves break on reef rock. It is crowded on the weekends, so be sure you are ready for people of all skill levels.

    The Lighthouse

    • The Lighthouse is a surfing spot by the Dungeness Lighthouse in the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Clallum County in Washington. It is great for those who wish to surf in a low-density environment because the crowd size remains relatively low. The wave sizes are good for the Northwest, but it still is OK for surfers of all skill levels. The waves break to the left. The beach is open to the public.

    Westport

    • Westport Beach is 2 ½ hours outside of Seattle in Aberdeen. Part of the West Haven State Park, Westport is a public access beach with a high quality of waves. But it brings in large crowds, especially on the weekends. Because it is in an area with large amounts of watercraft traffic, there are buoys in the water, presenting obstacles for surfers.

    Bastendorf Beach

    • Located in Coos Bay on Yoakam Point State Park in southern Oregon, Basendorf Beach brings in good waves that are suitable for all levels of surfers. The beach can be crowded on weekends, but is relatively quiet during the weekdays. The beach is open to the public.

    Newport

    • Situated in South Beach State Park, Newport contains "The Box," which is known as one of the best surfing spots in Oregon. Fast and fun, the waves bring in large crowds on the weekends. The surfing is recommended for more experienced surfers, though novice surfers can go as well.