State Line
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
State Line is an exposed beach break on the Oregon–California border near the mouth of the Winchuck River. It’s described as having fairly consistent surf, with the best conditions typically at mid tide. The bottom is primarily sand but includes rocks near the river mouth, and the area can feel remote. Water temperatures are very cold year-round (around 10–14°C, with winter months often closer to 11–13°C), so expect to need substantial thermal protection. A spring wetsuit setup is specifically recommended, including a hood, gloves, and boots, and the spot is also associated with colder-water gear needs. Safety-wise, the main concerns called out for this spot are rocks and sharks, along with rip currents and river mouth outflow currents. After heavy rain, it’s advised to check for logs and debris near the river mouth. Rescue/lifeguard coverage is described as none at the beach, so partner-surfing is recommended given the remoteness. From a wave-and-wind perspective, surf performance is described as average overall, with mixed wave shape and moderate power. East winds are reported to help by providing cleaner/offshore conditions, while West and Northwest winds can make things messier (onshore/cross effects). On larger swells, the break may close out.
- Pretty consistent exposed beach-break surf
- Best at mid tide
- Cold water year-round requiring hood/boots/gloves
- Remote setting with rocks and strong currents near the river mouth
- Pretty consistent, exposed beach-break surf
- Sand-bottom beach with surf often most favorable at mid tide
- Typically low-profile/calm compared with major nearby hubs
- Cold water requiring heavy insulation year-round
- Exposed conditions with rocks and potential strong currents near the river mouth
- No lifeguards and limited rescue for on-water wind-sport activities
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Described wind type at the spot.
- Reliability
- Low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, October, November, December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach; rocks present near the river mouth.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Described as pretty consistent with small-to-medium conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Exposed sandy beach used for launch; river mouth influence can affect conditions.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Usually uncrowded or low-profile; can see more locals on weekends during good swells.
November through March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf, best at mid tide. Sandy bottom with rocks near the river mouth.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds provide clean offshore conditions; West and Northwest winds are onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length described as short.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for State Line in the full forecast view.
State Line wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- SW235°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 258 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 7–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, State Line is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–2.2 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
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- River mouth outflow currents
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital services are in Brookings, Oregon.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
- Check for logs and debris after heavy rains due to the nearby river mouth.
- The area is remote, so surf with a partner.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Brookings
- Nearest Town
- Harbor
- Parking
- Parking is available at the nearby state park access point.
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; a personal vehicle or rental car is essential for accessing coastal launches and transporting gear.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Motels and campgrounds are available in Harbor and Brookings.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and stores are located a short drive north in Harbor.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited; most riders bring their own equipment since there are no dedicated wind-sport rental shops directly at the local launches.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the launches; visitors typically store gear in vehicles or local accommodations.
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 State Line?
The best overall months at State Line are October, November, December, January. The best wind months are January, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at State Line?
State Line works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is State Line suitable for?
State Line suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.