Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda works best on westerly and west-northwest swells during autumn and winter months, when easterly offshore winds shape cleaner waves. The southern section features a right-breaking reef break with more powerful conditions, while the northern end has a gentler beach break with left and right-hand waves, making different sections suit varying skill levels. Winter typically offers the most consistent and larger swells, though conditions break here more regularly than most other Oregon Coast spots.

The area has drawn surfers since the early 1960s and hosts the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, an annual competition that began in 1998 and has become the longest-running premier surf event in the Pacific Northwest. The location earned a reputation as Oregon's primary surf destination partly because the cape's geography naturally shields the inner break from north winds that frequently rake the coastline.

Access is via the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area parking lot, located just under a mile north of Pacific City near Hungry Harbor Road; Tillamook County charges a $10 day-use fee, though free parking is available at nearby Bob Straub State Park. A quarter-mile walk across sand leads to the cape's base, with restrooms and facilities at the lot. The spot sees consistent crowds due to its reliability, and shares the beach with the Pacific Dory fishing fleet and hang-gliding activity.