Arcadia (Oregon North)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Arcadia is an exposed Oregon coast surfing area with very consistent conditions, backed by a sandy shoreline and a rocky reef/sea-stack influence. The setup involves hazards including submerged rocks and tide-pool/rock formations, so awareness of the tide is essential. For surfing, the spot is generally best when the swell and wind align with cleaner wave production—east winds are described as offshore and more likely to groom faces, while west and northwest winds can increase chop. Summer can be a favored period, while winter swells may bring heavier, more disorganized surf with notable shorebreak. Water conditions are strongly shaped by coastal dynamics. Currents can include strong rip currents and tidal drift, and large sea stacks can create local wind shadow. Combined with the cold water and hazard density, this makes the beach more demanding than it may look from shore. On the amenity side, Arcadia is set within a State Recreation Site with parking, toilets, and picnic areas. There are no restaurants on-site, so visitors typically rely on food options in nearby Cannon Beach. For safety, the State Recreation Site is open from 6 am to 10 pm, and rescue/lifeguard support is not present at the beach—so plan accordingly, check tides, and wear appropriate winter protection.
- Very consistent surf for the Oregon coast
- Scenic reef/sea-stack environment and tide-pooling opportunities
- Onshore/offshore wind impacts surf cleanliness
- Generally consistent surf
- Basic access amenities within a State Recreation Site
- Scenic and quieter than the main Cannon Beach area (not as widely used as a primary destination)
- Exposed conditions with submerged rocks and hazards
- Strong rip currents and tidal drift are common
- Cold water year-round
- No lifeguards
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Wind shadow can occur directly behind large sea stacks
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Also described as sandy with scattered rocks/sea stacks.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium, with shorebreak increasing on large winter swells.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach access with reef influence; launches from the sandy beach area with scattered rocks/sea stacks nearby.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty is listed as easy in one source; another describes it as moderate due to hazards.
Through the year
Lower crowds than nearby Cannon Beach, though weekends in summer can bring more beachgoers.
November through March typically brings heavy rain and frequent winter storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef/break zone with very consistent surf; summer can offer favored conditions. Surf quality is heavily affected by nearby rock outcroppings and submerged hazards.
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and provide cleaner, groomed faces; West and Northwest winds are onshore and can cause chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized with significant shorebreak on large winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves typically offer shorter, punchy rides compared with regional point breaks.
- Ride Length Details
- Shorter, punchy rides are common; performance varies with tide and hazards.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Arcadia (Oregon North) in the full forecast view.
Arcadia (Oregon North) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–14 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- SSW192°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 5–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Arcadia (Oregon North) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–2.7 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- tide-pools
- submerged rocks
- strong rip currents
- cold water
- driftwood
- large sea stacks
- rock formations
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital in Cannon Beach or Seaside; park info: 503-812-0650. In an emergency, dial 911. (Regional note: nearest medical facility is Providence Seaside Hospital about 10 miles north in Seaside.)
Rules of the spot
Managed by Oregon State Parks. Standard surf etiquette applies; respect the local environment within the State Recreation Site.
- Open 6 am to 10 pm
- Check the tide before heading out.
- Low tide can make areas too shallow and can increase the risk of closing out easily.
- Check for rock formations and tide pools; low tide can be good for agate hunting.
- Wear a high-quality winter wetsuit for the cold Oregon waters; a neoprene hood, gloves, and boots are recommended year-round.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Nearest Town
- Cannon Beach
- Parking
- Parking available at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site / State Recreation Site parking lot with direct beach access.
- Access
- Located one mile south of Cannon Beach, Oregon, off the highway with a shady grove near the sandy ocean beach; accessible year-round from 6 am to 10 pm via Oregon State Parks. Accessible via the Arcadia State Recreation Site parking area off Highway 101.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are located 1-2 miles north in Cannon Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Limited picnic tables under shaded areas; no restaurants on-site in one source. Restaurants and cafes are available in nearby Cannon Beach in another.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops offering rentals are located in nearby Cannon Beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Arcadia (Oregon North)?
The best overall months at Arcadia (Oregon North) are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Arcadia (Oregon North)?
Arcadia (Oregon North) works with E, ESE, NE winds.
What skill level is Arcadia (Oregon North) suitable for?
Arcadia (Oregon North) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.