The first series of king tides, the highest high tides of the year, is set to reach Washington shores starting Wednesday and running through Nov. 9.

Storm watching is expected to be good along Washington coasts this week as king tides will bring high seas.

King tides are the highest winter tides of the year, when big waves explode off the cliffs and entire bays can be white with seafoam and peppered with logs.

Photographers and tourists are drawn to the spectacle. Authorities welcome the attention, but they’re warning people not to get too close due to the potential of being swept away.

King tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned.

It’s not just high waves that attract people to the coast during king tides. At low tides, after the turmoil, people can find plenty of treasures, from petrified wood to agates and sea glass.

If you do plan to view king tides, remember a few key safety tips:

Be extra careful when walking on slippery surfaces.

Be aware of your surroundings, weather conditions and big waves.

Always stay a safe distance away from waves.

Remember to obey safety signage and guard rails.

And remember, never turn your back on the ocean.

King tides:

Westport — Time — Predicted high tide

Nov. 5 — 11:48 a.m. — 10.8 feet

Nov. 6 — 12:31 p.m. — 11.0 feet

Nov. 7 — 1:15 p.m. — 11.0 feet

The second and third series of king tides this winter are Dec. 4-8, 2025 and Jan. 3-6, 2026. Check out our king tides calendar for specific dates, times and locations.

Best places for storm watching on Washington’s coast

Cape Disappointment State Park, Long Beach Peninsula

In Southwest Washington, head to Cape Disappointment State Park for fantastic storm watching in Washington. At Waikiki Beach, waves crash against the cliffs below a historic lighthouse, sending spray high into the air, according to stateofwatourism.com.

Stop by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to view the action from a sheltered, glassed-in observation deck or cozy up overnight in one of the park’s yurts, cabins, or at nearby beachfront lodgings. The beachfront Inn at Discovery Coast comes with in-room fireplaces and access to an on-site spa, perfect for a cozy winter getaway.

Westport

Farther north, Westport offers several prime storm-watching spots. Climb the observation tower at Westport Marina for a 360-degree view of surging waves from a safe, elevated vantage point. The dune trails at Westport Light State Park are another great option to watch the crashing surf.

Safety Tip: Be sure to stay on the designated path away from the edge of the dunes and avoid the beach and jetties during high tide.

Tokeland

South of Westport, the small community of Tokeland sits where Willapa Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. During winter storms, waves crash against the docks at the Tokeland Marina. Base yourself at the Tokeland Hotel, which dates back to 1885 and is considered to be haunted. Enjoy a cozy lounge with a fireplace and hearty meals at the onsite restaurant The Wandering Goose.

Ocean Shores

One of Washington’s quintessential coastal getaways, Ocean Shores in winter offers a quitter beach experience. During winter storms, locals and visitors gather near the North Jetty to watch massive waves crash over the rocks. Tip: Park your car a safe distance from the jetty and watch the spectacle while staying warm and dry.

Copalis

Just north of Ocean Shores, Copalis Beach offers a quieter spot for storm watching. For a front-row seat, base yourself at nearby Iron Springs Resort. Its collection of cabins, some perched on bluffs overlooking the beach, are perfect for cozy viewing thanks to fireplaces and large windows.

Seabrook and Moclips

Further north, the tiny towns of Seabrook and Moclips offer excellent storm watching vantage points. In Seabrook, check out Pacific Glen Promenade, Overlook Park, or West Hill Park for elevated views of the beach. Between the two towns lies Pacific Beach State Park, a compact stretch of coastline ideal for watching incoming waves.

Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park

Located within Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach offers dramatic views of waves crashing against the towering sea stacks. Base yourself at Kalaloch Lodge, perched on a bluff where its cabins and restaurant overlook the surf.

Safety Tip: Keep your distance from the waves and avoid walking on driftwood and rocks, as those can be slick from rain and surf.

La Push and Rialto Beach

Farther north near Forks, the Quileute community of La Push offers storm watching right from the Quileute Oceanside Resort, which sits on the beach. From there, drive to nearby Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park to watch the surf pound the sea stacks along a windswept shore. During high tides, avoid walking on the lower beach and stay off slick driftwood and rocks to avoid injury.

Cape Flattery

At the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S., Cape Flattery is stunning, remote, and absolutely worth the drive. A short trail with boardwalks and stairs leads through mossy forest leads to viewing platforms where you can watch waves as they pound the cliffs below.

Coastal flooding on Wednesday

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement and a Coastal Flood Advisory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday along the South Washington coast.

For the Beach Hazards Statement, sneaker waves are possible. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, tidal overflow flooding expected.

Expect minor flooding, up to one foot above ground level, during high tides is expected in the low lying areas near bays, sloughs, and the lower reaches of the coastal rivers. Expect flooding along portions of U.S. Highway 101, including near Raymond, Seaside, and Fraser Road in Tillamook County.

A Coastal Flood Advisory means that tidal overflow flooding is expected. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water, and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

River flooding

Additional rounds of rainfall culminating in moderate to heavy rainfall over the south slopes of the Olympics Thursday into Friday morning will force steady rises on the Skokomish River in Mason County.

A sharper rise in the river is expected Thursday into Friday with an additional 2 to 3 inches of rainfall over the basin. Flooding is likely beginning Thursday night.