How to Read Tide Tables While Visiting Lincoln City

Whether you’re searching for glass floats, exploring tide pools, flying a kite, or simply taking a walk on the beach, understanding the tides can make your trip to Lincoln City safer and more enjoyable. The Oregon Coast experiences two high tides and two low tides most days, and the beach can look completely different depending on when you visit.

The good news? You don’t have to be a sailor or surfer to read a tide table. Once you know what the numbers mean, planning your beach day is easy.

What is a tide table?

A tide table is simply a schedule that tells you when the ocean will reach its highest and lowest points throughout the day.

Each day typically includes:

• Two high tides
• Two low tides

A tide table also shows how high or low the water will be at each of those times. You can find free tide tables online, in weather apps, or through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Why tides matter in Lincoln City

Lincoln City’s beaches change dramatically throughout the day.

At low tide, you’ll notice:

• Much wider beaches
• More room for beachcombing
• Better access to tide pools
• Easier walking on firm, wet sand

At high tide, the ocean moves much closer to the shoreline, leaving less room to walk in some areas. Large driftwood logs may also become surrounded by water, and waves can reach farther up the beach than many visitors expect.

Knowing the tide schedule helps you choose the best time for the activities you have planned.

How to read a tide table

At first glance, a tide chart can look confusing, but it’s actually very straightforward.

A typical tide table lists:

• The time tells you when the tide reaches its highest or lowest point.
• The height tells you how far above or below the average tide level the water will be.

Generally speaking:

• Lower low tides expose more beach.
• Higher high tides bring the water farther inland.

The best tide for beachcombing

If you’re hoping to search for agates, shells, driftwood, or Lincoln City’s famous glass floats, low tide is often your best friend.

With more beach exposed, you’ll have more ground to cover and a better chance of spotting interesting treasures along the shoreline.

Keep in mind, though, that glass floats are intentionally hidden above the high tide line, so you don’t need to wait for the very lowest tide to hunt for them. Low tide simply makes walking the beach easier and gives you more room to explore.

The best tide for tide pooling

Tide pools are only visible when the water recedes.

For the best experience:

• Visit within an hour before low tide.
• Stay for an hour after low tide.
• Look for especially low tides during spring and summer.

Always watch the incoming tide and never allow yourself to become trapped on rocks by rising water.

The best tide for walking the beach

If your goal is simply a relaxing beach walk, low tide or a falling tide usually provides the most enjoyable conditions.

You’ll have:

• More room to walk
• Firmer wet sand
• Better views of rocks and driftwood
• Easier access to different sections of the beach

Many visitors enjoy timing a morning or evening walk around low tide for the best experience.

Understanding king tides

If you’re visiting during the winter, you may hear people talking about King Tides.

King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They’re caused by the alignment of the sun and moon and can create dramatic waves and spectacular coastal scenery.

While they’re beautiful to watch, they also require extra caution.

During King Tide events:

• Stay well back from the surf.
• Never climb on driftwood near the water.
• Keep children and pets close.
• Watch for unexpected sneaker waves.

The safest place to enjoy King Tides is from an elevated viewpoint or well back from the shoreline.

Check the weather, too

The tide is only part of the story. Before heading to the beach, check:

• The weather forecast
• Wind conditions
• Surf conditions
• Any beach advisories

Even on a calm day, waves can be powerful along the Oregon Coast.

Plan your beach day around the tides

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Lincoln City is to plan your day around the tide schedule.

For example:

• Morning: Beach walk and glass float hunt at low tide.
• Afternoon: Shopping, dining, or visiting local attractions.
• Evening: Return to the beach for sunset.

A little planning can help you make the most of every day on the coast.

Stay close to the beach at Surftides Plaza

When you stay at Surftides Plaza, checking the tide and heading to the beach couldn’t be easier. Located just steps from the ocean, Surftides Plaza makes it easy to take advantage of low tide for a morning walk, return to your condo for lunch, then head back out for sunset without worrying about parking or driving across town.

Whether you’re hunting for Lincoln City’s famous glass floats, exploring tide pools, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves, understanding the tides helps you experience the Oregon Coast at its best—and Surftides Plaza puts it all within easy reach. Visit NOAA’s website to check the tides before you head out!