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Who We Are
Our Vision and Strategy for the Coast
In Oregon, the beaches belong to the people. For more than 50 years, Oregon Shores has served as the state’s leading voice when it comes to protecting the beaches, headlands, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Oregon’s coast so spectacular and loved.
More about us
What We Do
Our Programs and Campaigns
Discover our latest campaigns focused on education and mile adoption, enhancing estuarine ecosystem resilience, and combatting climate change for a sustainable Oregon Coast.
CoastWatch
CoastWatch offers opportunities to learn about shoreline ecology and contribute to coastal research and conservation by adopting a mile of the Oregon coast.
Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries
The Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries aims to build a strong popular movement for conserving our estuarine resources based on a broad public understanding of the importance of these ecosystems, where rivers meet the sea.
Oregon Beaches Forever
Our mission is to safeguard Oregon's public beaches for future generations and ensure the preservation of our coastlines and communities as we adapt to climate change
Marine Legislation
The 2025 legislative session offers a unique opportunity to advocate for conservation and urge decision-makers to prioritize Oregon’s invaluable coastal ecosystems
Oregon Takes Action to Conserve, Protect, and Restore our Natural Spaces in the Face of Climate Change
As a member of the Oregon Ocean Alliance, Oregon Shores is proud to have played an integral role in providing input and recommendations to the...
Nov 13, 2025
Coastal Testimonials
Stories from the Shoreline
Coastal Community Connections
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We’ve got tons of programming on the south coast, now through 1/4/26!
Check out our latest events at bit.ly/oregonshores-events ...
Winter Whale Watch Week starts on 12/27!
Oregon Shores and @adventurescientists are hosting 3 opportunities to watch for whales and learn more about our Searching For Killer Whales project.
Find an event near you: https://bit.ly/oregonshores-events ...
Discover the CoastWatch Program—One Mile at a Time
Spend an afternoon on the beach with us for a guided beach walk and learn how everyday observations help protect Oregon’s coastline.
We’ll share what CoastWatch is all about, highlight ways to get involved in community science, and practice completing a mile report together.
This welcoming, low-key outing is perfect for newcomers, curious beachgoers, and current Adopt-a-Mile volunteers alike.
Come enjoy the coast, meet others who care about it, and see how your time on the beach can make a real impact.
Register Today: https://bit.ly/oregonshores-events ...
King Tides Season is back!
Oregon Shores is hosting 5 opportunities to safely watch this beautiful nature event and learn more about our spectacular tides.
Find an event near you: https://bit.ly/oregonshores-events ...
🚨Act Now to Protect Endangered Species🚨
The federal administration has proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. If adopted, these revisions would weaken protections nationwide for our most threatened species and the critical habitats they depend on by putting short-term economic interests ahead of best available science.
At Oregon Shores, we’re committed to defending our ocean and coastal ecosystems. Help us by making your voices heard too!
Ready to take action?
👉 Sign the petition to urge your members of Congress to oppose changes to the Act: https://bit.ly/45gRF2e
👉 Use the @oregonzoo`s comment guidelines to submit your own comment to the federal registry: https://bit.ly/44B3hNz
Comments will be accepted through Monday December 22nd.
Every voice matters. Will you stand up for endangered species today? 🐋
Photo Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium ...
We`re resharing this amazing story from the Center for Whale Research! It`s so exciting to see a new calf in the K Pod. The K Pod is one of the Southern Resident Killer Whale pods that travel between California and British Columbia.
"On December 10, the Center for Whale Research team received reports and images from Orca Network and Orca Conservancy of a small calf accompanying K pod in Puget Sound. The next day, researchers Mark and Maya Sears followed up on these reports and conducted an encounter with K pod. They were able to obtain clear images of the new calf’s dorsal fin, saddle patch, and eye patch that can be used for reidentification, allowing us to catalogue this new whale as part of our demographic dataset.
The new calf is designated K47 (due to some reassignments of individuals from L pod to K pod early in the study, there has already been a K46), and Maya reports that the calf appears to be swimming normally. K47 is most closely associating with K36; however, with other reproductive females nearby, we’ll need more encounters to be sure who the mother is. We’re also waiting on clearer shots of the calf’s underside to confirm its sex. We estimate this calf to have been born within the last week.
With such a young individual, we always balance our optimism with caution. The first year of life is hard for southern residents, with only about half of all calves born making it through this period. We hope to see this calf survive and thrive over the coming months and years. "
Photo taken by Maya Sears, NMFS/NOAA Permit 27052 ...
We`d love to see you at a special webinar "30 Years of CoastWatch" where Brian Katz, Geospatial Scientist, shares his analysis of the past 32 years of collected Adopt-A-Mile data and unveils our new public data dashboard.
We will see you THIS FRIDAY December 19th from 3:30-5pm.
Sign up at: https://bit.ly/30_Years_Of_CW ...
Oregon Shores December Newsletter is here! Your monthly tide of news, events, and coastal victories. Learn more about CoastWatch 30, the Save Beverly Beach Campaign, and how to sign on to protect the Endangered Species Act.
https://bit.ly/Orshore_Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly newsletter today and get it sent straight to your inbox! https://bit.ly/OSCC_Subscribe ...
We need YOU to help us monitor killer whales on the Oregon coast! 👀 Join us online to learn more about Searching for Killer Whales, our coastwide monitoring program in partnership with @adventurescientists that invites everyday observers to help track the movements of Southern Resident killer whales along Oregon’s shore. 🌊 Learn more: http://bit.ly/killer-whale-training (link in bio).
On December 20th from 10-11am, we will host a virtual training and project update designed to prepare new and returning volunteers for the winter season. You will learn how to download and use the project app, how to document sightings with confidence, and how to recognize the features that distinguish Southern Residents from other orcas seen offshore. We will also share recent findings and answer questions.
This program gives coastal communities a direct role in understanding and safeguarding an endangered population that relies on healthy waters and abundant salmon. If you have ever scanned the horizon hoping to catch a glimpse of a dorsal fin, this is your chance to turn that moment into meaningful action. Join us and help bring Oregon’s whale story into sharper focus.
#oregonshores #protectthecoast #oregoncoast #coastalconservation ...
Oregon’s floodplains play a vital role in how our communities respond to storms and rising water. Many towns are now updating their floodplain management codes, and these updates are important for staying in compliance with federal law and for building stronger, more resilient communities. 💪
Join us on December 16 from 6-7:30pm for Beyond the High Water Mark. We will explain the history behind the case that led to these changes and why aligning local rules with the National Flood Insurance Program matters for communities, developers, and habitat protection. When floodplains are well managed, they help absorb water, reduce damage, and support wildlife.
The presentation will be led by Mary Stites, Staff Attorney at the Northwest Environmental Defense Center. Mary’s work focuses on protecting natural resources and ensuring environmental laws are upheld.
All community members are welcome to attend this FREE webinar and learn how thoughtful floodplain management supports both people and ecosystems. 🌊 bit.ly/BeyondtheHighWaterMark (link in bio)
#oregonshores #coastwatch #protectthecoast #oregoncoast #coastalconservation ...
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the King Tide Crawl in Cannon Beach hosted by @surfridernorthcoast! About 30 community members turned out to learn, watch, and celebrate the power of this winter’s King Tides. 🌊 During this event, participants witnessed large waves sweep into the river mouth, ricochet off cement seawalls, and the impacts of erosion on private property and public infrastructure.
We started at Les Shirley Park before walking together to two viewing locations perched safely above the water. At each viewing spot, we heard from an incredible lineup of speakers: Denise Lofman from @columbiaestuary, Mandy Watson and Rachel Freeman from Oregon Shores, Ashton Hoomans and Koa Lyu from the Cannon Beach Lifeguard and Water Rescue Response Team, and Lisa Habecker from the @haystackrockawarenessprogram. Their insights helped us better understand how extreme tide events shape our beaches, waterways, and coastal communities. 👏
This event was held in partnership with the @oregonkingtide, which documents how King Tides impact Oregon’s coastline. Participants were encouraged to submit their own King Tide photos, especially from the North Coast, to support community science, improve sea-level rise modeling, and contribute to the project’s annual photo contest.
Thanks again to all who braved the weather to make this a memorable and educational day on the coast!
#oregonshores #hrap #surfrider #oregonkingtides #oktp #kingtides #oregoncoast #communityscience #cannonbeach #winterwavewatching ...
Perched on the shores of Clatsop Beach for nearly 120 years, the Peter Iredale shipwreck is one of the most iconic landmarks on the North Oregon Coast. 🌊 Once a 285-foot British steel cargo ship, it has slowly become part of the shoreline itself. Seasonal shifts in sand and fluctuating tides determine just how close visitors can get to what remains of this historic vessel. Its steadfast presence makes it a perfect backdrop for Oregon King Tide Project photo contest submissions.
On Friday, Oregon Shores staff members Sam Derrenbacher and Rachel Freeman were on-site during the King Tide peak to chat with visitors about this community science opportunity. Watching from their vehicles or safely perched on the dune beneath the Oregon Shores canopy, a few dozen people gathered to witness the stormy King Tide waves roll in.
Seafoam and white-capped waves swirled around the wreck as conversations unfolded, about how this year’s King Tides compare to last year’s, why documenting sea level rise matters, and how essential it is to prioritize safety while exploring the Oregon Coast, especially in winter.
To submit your own King Tide photos to the Oregon King Tide Project, visit: oregonkingtides.net.
To join an upcoming King Tide Watch Party with Oregon Shores, visit: oregonshores.org.
#OregonShores #OKTP #OregonKingTideProject2025 #OKTP2025 #KingTides ...
King Tides are rolling in, and Oregon Shores is hosting 3 FREE watch parties across the coast to help you witness these powerful tides up close (but from a safe distance). 🌊 This is your chance to learn how extreme water levels shape our future shoreline, contribute photos to the @oregonkingtide photo project, and connect with others who care about documenting change along the coast. Find the gathering nearest you and join us.
🌊Warrenton, Oregon
Friday, December 5 (TODAY!), 12-1:30pm
Meet at the Wreck of the Peter Iredale parking lot for a relaxed watch party where curiosity and cameras are encouraged. No registration required.
🌊Cannon Beach, Oregon
Saturday, December 6, 11:30am-1:30pm
Begin at Les Shirley Park and continue to the Gower Street access for a tide crawl cohosted with @surfridernorthcoast, complete with views of Ecola Creek and Haystack Rock. Sign up at bit.ly/cannonbeachwatchparty.
🌊Otter Rock, Oregon
Sunday, December 7, 12-2pm
Gather at the Spyglass Restaurant at Otter Crest for a guided watch party with lunch included. Learn about king tides, coastal flooding, and sea level rise. RSVP at bit.ly/kingtide-ottercrest.
Each event offers a safe place to observe, photograph, and learn. Please stay aware of rising water, shifting sands, and strong winds.
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association offers helpful guidance at theoregoncoast.com/beach-safety.
Learn more about the Oregon King Tides Photo Project: oregonkingtides.net
📸: Leni Crow
#oregonshores #coastwatch #protectthecoast #oregoncoast #coastalconservation #kingtides #oregonkingtidesproject ...
It’s prime King Tides time! 🌊 Cannon Beach is the place to be for this seasonal spectacle. Join Oregon Shores and the Surfrider North Coast Chapter for a tide crawl that brings you up close to the power and meaning of king tides along one of Oregon’s most iconic shorelines. Portlanders: this is a great day trip!
📍 Les Shirley Park, then on to the Gower Street beach access in Cannon Beach
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025
🕞 11:30am-1:30pm
This watch party blends science and scenery. We’ll observe the waves from the dunes at Ecola Creek, hear from partners about how king tides shape our future coastline, and finish with a remarkable vantage point of Haystack Rock.
Join us! Sign up: bit.ly/cannonbeachwatchparty (link in bio).
Thank you to our partners @oregonkingtide @thepeoplescoast @oregon_seagrant @surfridernorthcoast
#oregonshores #coastwatch #protectthecoast #oregoncoast #coastalconservation #kingtides #oregonkingtidesproject ...
Calling all North Coast ocean enthusiasts! Join us on the sand for a front-row look at one of the coast’s most powerful natural events. 🌊 Oregon Shores is hosting a King Tide Watch Party in Warrenton, a chance to experience the year’s highest tides while learning how these extreme water levels help us understand coastal flooding and future sea level rise.
📍Wreck of the Peter Iredale parking lot in Warrenton, Oregon
📅 Friday, December 5, 2025
🕞 12-1:30pm
Bring your curiosity and your camera. Together we’ll observe, document, and contribute photos to the Oregon King Tides Project. It is a relaxed way to connect with others who care about tracking changes along our shoreline. There is no need to register.
A reminder to stay aware of your surroundings. High water, shifting sand, and strong winds can create unpredictable conditions during king tides. The Oregon Coast Visitors Association has helpful safety guidance at theoregoncoast.com/beach-safety.
Thank you to our partners, @oregonkingtide @thepeoplescoast @oregon_seagrant
📷: Amy Kathleen Williams
#oregonshores #coastwatch #protectthecoast #oregoncoast #coastalconservation #kingtides #oregonkingtidesproject ...