Big Wave Watch: Barview Jetty

MONSTER WAVE ALERT! Multiple factors are converging to provide 20-30 foot crests during a rare day of dry, balmy weather on the coast: the ultimate sweet spot in wave watching.

The North Jetty at the mouth of Tillamook Bay is a coveted spot for surf enthusiasts. Thundering walls of white foam get thrown up over the 26' tall beacon sitting out at the toe. You can park within 1500' of the action and look killer waves right in the eye at about 20' above sea level.

Don't worry, there's several massive boulders standing between you and the splash zone, not to mention a lot of signs warning idiots about venturing out any further--which we will NOT be doing. As a matter of fact, if things get truly hairy, the sheriff typically rolls up and shuts down the whole area: "Alright, everybody out of the pool!"

There's good bird watching around the jetty and in the channel and a few cheeky harbor seals usually body surf the waves. The California ground squirrels often come out of the rocks and right up to you. I've spotted rhinoceros auklets, Marbled Murrelets, and Leach's storm-petrels. I'll provide bird and animal ID, beach and safety instruction, and a rundown of the meteorological and oceanic phenomena that are forming the waves. If you carpool with me on the way, you'll get much, much more.

Here's a massive flock of dunlins I found last winter.

Here's a minor sneaker wave taking a shot at us.

Here's what a major one can do.

We'll photograph waves and seabirds from the jetty ($10 parking fee if you drive yourself), then walk up a tiny lookout hill a few hundred feet away for a broader view. We will NOT be roaming the beach at any time: I've seen killer sneaker waves do some gnarly @#$%! with logs that weigh more than a bus. Restroom on site.

From there, we'll drive the 101 south about half a mile to photograph a sexy formation of sea stacks called The Three Graces that look like a giant Japanese Zen garden. No restroom on site.

Optionally, we may head another mile south into Garibaldi to check out the longest pier in Oregon that leads to the Garibaldi Historic US Coast Guard Boathouse. Restroom on site. Head back by 3 PM at the latest if you want to avoid driving in the dark.

Bring $10 cash (no Venmo), debit/credit card to pay $10 state park fee at the kiosk if you're driving yourself, weather appropriate clothing (dress for winter, you'll be doing a lot of standing) including waterproof gear, hat, and boots, snacks/lunch/beverages, binoculars/scope, and all your camera equipment. Bring lens cloths to wipe off the mist. Restrooms on site.

Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks. Please arrive early so we can find each other before the start time. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV; I'll be in a navy windbreaker.

DRIVING DETAILS: To continue from the jetty to the Three Graces, backtrack to the 101 and turn right. Go 0.5 mi. to the gravel pull out on your right next to the railroad tracks.

To continue from Three Graces to the pier, turn south onto the 101 again for 1 mi. and turn right on 12th Street. Turn right at Bay Lane at the next intersection and go 0.1 mi. to the gravel parking lot.