Oregon Coast Water Temperature, Tides & Buoy Report

Region: Oregon

The Oregon coast is defined by the California Current — a strong southward-flowing ocean current that drives upwelling along the coast, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface and creating one of the most productive marine ecosystems on the planet. This upwelling feeds massive populations of anchovies and sardines, which in turn support the entire marine food web and the thousands of seabirds that nest on the sea stacks offshore.

NOAA Stations Near Oregon Coast

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Big Buoy track on the Oregon coast?
Big Buoy provides real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period and direction, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure from NOAA stations across the region, including Stonewall Bank (central coast), Columbia River Bar (north coast), Crescent City, CA (near OR/CA border), and Port Orford, OR (south coast). You also get 7-day tide forecasts, solunar tables, and extended weather outlooks for the entire Oregon coastline.
Why are bar conditions important on the Oregon coast?
The bar crossings at the Oregon river mouths — particularly the Columbia River bar and the Coos Bay bar — are among the most dangerous in North America. Wave height at the nearshore buoys and the bar forecasts from NOAA are the two most important pieces of information for anyone planning a trip offshore. A bar that looks manageable at low tide can become dangerous within hours as swell increases, especially when long-period swell arrives from distant storms.
What conditions should I check before heading out on the Oregon coast?
Bar conditions are the first and most important check — wave height and swell period at the nearshore buoys determine whether the river mouth bars are crossable. Long-period swell (14+ seconds) creates the most dangerous bar conditions even at moderate heights. Wind direction matters for sea state offshore — a northwest wind opposing the California Current builds steep, confused seas. Water temperature shows whether upwelling is active near shore. Big Buoy shows real-time data from four NOAA stations covering the coast, plus the NOAA bar forecasts that are essential reading before any crossing.
What NOAA stations does Big Buoy track near Oregon Coast?
Big Buoy tracks 882 NOAA buoys and 3,400+ tide stations nationwide, with many in the Oregon Coast area — including STONEWALL BANK - 20NM West of Newport, OR (46050), COLUMBIA RIVER BAR - 20NM West of Columbia River Mouth (46029), ST GEORGES - 8 NM NW of Crescent City, CA (46027), PORT ORFORD - 15 NM West of Port Orford, OR (46015). Each station reports water temperature, wave height, wind speed and direction, and more — updated every 10 minutes. Open the map to see all stations near Oregon Coast.
What marine conditions are available for Oregon Coast?
Big Buoy shows real-time water temperature, wave height, swell period, wind speed and direction, 7-day tide tables with exact high and low times, and daily solunar peak windows for Oregon Coast.
Is Big Buoy free to use for Oregon Coast marine conditions?
Yes. Real-time buoy data, tides, and solunar for Oregon Coast are completely free with no account required. Big Buoy Pro adds the Wind Tab, the Depth Chart, satellite overlays (sea surface temp, chlorophyll, currents), 16-day forecasts, and forecast model switching.