Swell Intel

Smugglers Cove Surf Forecast, Oregon

Oregon

Smugglers Cove surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
3-4+ft
chest to head high
Swell Period
8.1s
Wind
17mph
NW / Gusts 23mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
3.4ft @ 13sWNW
Secondary
0.7ft @ 15sSW
Wind Swell
6.6ft @ 8sW

Smugglers Cove 5-Day Forecast Summary

Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Smugglers Cove, Oregon. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.

Sat, May 16: 34ft, 12s period, rated Poor. Morning kicks off with 3-4ft on WNW swell at 13s.

Sun, May 17: 34ft, 12s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 3-4ft waves on WNW swell at 12s and gentle NE breeze. The N wind kicks in by afternoon — 13mph and poor - fair by then.

Mon, May 18: 34ft, 18s period, rated Poor - Fair. First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on WNW swell at 10s with 7mph from the N. It gets a bit messier later in the day.

Tue, May 19: 34ft, 16s period, rated Poor - Fair. Get out early for the best of it — 3-4ft waves on WNW swell at 14s and gentle NW breeze. The NNW wind kicks in by afternoon — 10mph and poor - fair by then.

Wed, May 20: 34ft, 13s period, rated Poor - Fair. First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on WNW swell at 12s with moderate N wind around 7mph. The NNW wind kicks in by afternoon — 11mph and poor - fair by then.

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Daily Forecast

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Forecast Charts

Smugglers Cove Surf Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Sand
Level
Intermediate
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
NW
Best Wind
E
Season
Fall

Smugglers Cove is a sheltered sandy beach break on Oregon's northern coast that catches consistent swell wrapping around the headlands during autumn and winter swells. The ENE-facing aspect means it picks up northwest swell particularly well while remaining protected from the strongest winter storms. This is a mellow, approachable wave spot perfect for intermediate surfers looking to escape the crowds while enjoying reliable, forgiving peaks.

RocksCoastal cliffsStrong currents

Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.

Smugglers Cove Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Smugglers Cove?

The current wave height at Smugglers Cove is 3-4+ft with a 8.1s swell period. Wind is NW at 17mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.

What is the breaking wave height at Smugglers Cove?

The current breaking wave height at Smugglers Cove is 3-4+ft, produced by a 3.4ft WNW primary swell at 13s, a 0.7ft SW secondary swell at 15s, a 6.6ft W wind swell swell at 8s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.

When is the best time to surf Smugglers Cove?

Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Smugglers Cove is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 4ft waves, a 11.6s swell period, and conditions rated Fair - Good. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.

What swell and wind direction work best at Smugglers Cove?

Smugglers Cove works best with a NW swell and E winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.

What tide is best at Smugglers Cove?

Tide plays a big role at Smugglers Cove. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.

What kind of wave is Smugglers Cove and who is it for?

Smugglers Cove is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to intermediate surfers. Smugglers Cove is a sheltered sandy beach break on Oregon's northern coast that catches consistent swell wrapping around the headlands during autumn and winter swells. The ENE-facing aspect means it picks up northwest swell particularly well while remaining protected from the strongest winter storms. This is a mellow, approachable wave spot perfect for intermediate surfers looking to escape the crowds while enjoying reliable, forgiving peaks.

When is the best season to surf Smugglers Cove?

The prime season at Smugglers Cove is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.

Are there any hazards to know about at Smugglers Cove?

Common hazards at Smugglers Cove include rocks, coastal cliffs, strong currents. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.

How accurate is the Smugglers Cove surf forecast?

Our Smugglers Cove forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.