5 Surf Spots Near Eugene.
Oregon certainly isn’t a world class surf destination, but damn is it fun.
The water’s cold. Waves are often too big in the winter and too soft in the summer. However, with a proper 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, and hood, it’s an incomparable experience. The breaks are uncrowded, the locals tend to be friendly, and the views from the water are stunning.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned surfer new to the area, here are some of the best breaks to check out on the Oregon coast.
Agate Beach (Newport, Oregon)
Just two hours northwest of Eugene, Agate Beach is a great break for any level of surfer, and for that reason, one of the most popular breaks on the coast.
The north end of the beach is wind-protected by large, mossy bluffs housing Yaquina lighthouse. This protects the beach from NW winds making for relatively clean waves, and a strong rip-current, which makes paddling out a breeze.
Thanks to the live-cam on surfline, Agate is easy to scout-out before making the drive from Eugene.
With Ossie’s Surf Shop right across the street, this beach is a great option for beginners who still need to rent wetsuits and boards.
Otter Rock (Newport, Oregon)
Ten minutes north of Agate lies Otter Rock. This beautiful, beginner-friendly set of beach-break peaks is protected from NW winds thanks to the stunning, Cape Foulweather (Also home to Devil’s Punchbowl; an Oregon coast viewpoint that you need to check out if you haven’t already).
Many consider Otter Rock to be the BEST break on the coast for beginners. However, for just that reason, you can expect the beach to be crowded on clean, sunny days throughout the summer months.
Pura Vida Surf Shop is right across the street, making this another great beach for beginners looking to rent gear.
Florence South Jetty (Florence, Oregon)
Just one hour west of town, the Florence south jetty is the closest surf beach to Eugene.
This wind-protected, sand-bottom, beach-break consistently breaks right, making it an ideal spot for regular-footed surfers.
Although the waves can be pretty good, many Eugene-based surfers stay away from Florence’s south jetty due to the increased shark activity that comes along with the river mouth.
Pacific City Beach (Pacific City, OR)
Two-and-a-half hours from Eugene, many consider Pacific City one of the best surf spots in Oregon. The beach is incredibly beautiful, and reminiscent of Canon Beach, featuring a large rock formation and sand dunes.
With a flat and sandy bottom the inner beach-break is generally soft, glassy, and beginner friendly. However, when larger swells come in, big rights will break far outside off of Cape Kiwanda, (the largest and, in my opinion, the most stunning cape on the Oregon coast ), attracting more advanced surfers.
Short Sands Beach (Oswald West State Park, Oregon)
Roughly three hours northwest of Eugene, you’ll find Short Sands Beach. This is one of Oregon’s best and most beautiful surf spots tucked away in Oswald West State Park.
Just off the main parking lot, follow Short Sands Creek down a trail of moss-covered, old-growth sitka spruce to the horseshoe-shaped cove. Wind-protected by large cliffs to both the North and South, the beach makes for some pretty good surf.
Even when it’s mushy, the old-growth forest, waterfalls, and tide-pools make this day trip from Eugene well worth it.
