The Dump (Midway)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Dump (Midway) is a sheltered reef break near Neah Bay that produces both lefts and rights over an uneven rocky reef bottom. It’s specifically sought as an inshore option when outer-coast conditions max out, because it requires West/Northwest swell to wrap into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and reach this section of shoreline. Surf quality is generally described as average, but the spot can hold up well during extreme swells, functioning as a refuge compared with more exposed areas. The most consistently emphasized timing is mid tide, and the spot is known to be best with southeast winds for offshore/grooming effects (while cross-shore wind patterns can reduce quality). Conditions are strongly shaped by the cold, rocky setting. Water temperatures are low year-round (roughly 7–17°C across the year depending on month), and the reef/rocks create hazards especially at lower tides. Water quality is also flagged as a concern, so visitors should be prepared for variable conditions. Access is via Highway 112 to Neah Bay, with parking described as limited and sometimes difficult in wet weather. The area is on the Makah Indian Reservation, and a Makah Recreational Permit is required for all visitors and must be displayed in vehicles. Emergency services are limited, and there are no lifeguards on-site—so self-sufficient planning and careful entry over rocks are essential.
- Sheltered reef break producing lefts and rights
- Can work as a wrap/refuge when outer-coast swells are too large elsewhere
- Mid tide is favored
- Sheltered reef break with lefts and rights
- Often works when the outer coast is too big, acting as a refuge for wrapped-in swells
- Usually quiet/calm crowd levels even when surf is up
- Reef/rocks and exposed entries at lower tides
- Water quality concerns (pollution) and cold water year-round
- Wind is not reliable for wind-dependent sports; good surfing conditions are more dependent on swell wrapping in
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, S
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe the prevailing wind as frontal/south-southeasterly in the cooler season.
- Reliability
- Low for sports requiring wind; the spot is primarily sought for surfing when wind is offshore.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- The spot is sheltered by high terrain of the Olympic Peninsula from many directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Some providers describe small overall, while others characterize working conditions as medium depending on swell and wrap.
- Launch
- Rocky shoreline with a careful walk across cobble/reef to reach the water.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky shoreline walk across cobble and reef.
Through the year
Low year-round; unlikely to be too crowded even when surf is up.
Late autumn through winter (November to March) is the stormiest and rainiest period.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sheltered reef break producing both lefts and rights over an uneven reef bottom; serves as a refuge when larger outer-coast swells max out. Requires a significant West/Northwest swell to wrap into the Strait of Juan de Fuca to reach this section.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.6–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Surf-forecast data also indicates the best tide as mid tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Protected from much of the outer-coast exposure; wave impacts at an inshore reef section.
- Wind Effect
- Southeasterly winds are offshore and can groom waves, creating cleaner faces; cross-shore patterns are noted to prefer other directions (northeast) for best quality.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up well during extreme outer-coast swells that would be unsurfable elsewhere.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Often described as sheltered but not consistently high-quality across all conditions.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Short to medium rides depending on swell angle and tide level.
- Ride Length Details
- Short to medium rides depending on swell angle and tide level; intermediate-friendly but reef hazards make it suited to surfers who can manage uneven bottoms.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Dump (Midway) in the full forecast view.
The Dump (Midway) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- ESE115°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Dump (Midway) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.8–2.4 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
- Pollution
- Cold water
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are limited; the nearest clinic is in Neah Bay.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
The spot is located on the Makah Indian Reservation. A Makah Recreational Permit is required for all visitors and must be displayed in vehicles.
- Makah Tribal Permit required.
- Day use only in most areas.
- Trail down from the northwest side of the garbage area.
- Change into your wetsuit on the beach to avoid holes in your suit.
- Pack gear down to the break.
- Check with local tribal authorities for the most current access rules.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Angeles
- Nearest Town
- Neah Bay
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small dirt pull-offs; park on a safe solid place (ground can be soft in rain, causing many 'dig outs').
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent to the specific coastline; a private vehicle is required for access.
- Access
- Accessible via Highway 112 between Sekiu and Neah Bay. Follow Hwy 112 to Neah Bay; take the fork on the west side of town, turn right then left up the hill, and take the 3rd right after pavement turns to gravel.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and small motels are available in Neah Bay or Sekiu.
- Food & Drink
- Basic supplies and small eateries located in Neah Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, featuring dramatic cliffs and sea stacks.
A world-class museum showcasing artifacts from the Ozette archaeological site and Makah history.
A rugged coastal hike leading to one of the most scenic beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
A local staple in Neah Bay offering views of the harbor and traditional American fare.
A central hub for watching the fishing fleet and observing marine life in the harbor.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Dump (Midway)?
The best overall months at The Dump (Midway) are October, November, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, November, December.
Which wind directions work at The Dump (Midway)?
The Dump (Midway) works with SE, S winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What skill level is The Dump (Midway) suitable for?
The Dump (Midway) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.