Dawn patrol surfing in Charleston

Charleston, Oregon

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Charleston means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

5:40 AM
First Light: 5:10 AM

Day length: 15h 22m

-1 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:40 AM

First light: 5:10 AM

Sunset

9:03 PM

Last light: 9:33 PM

Data from Sunset Bay State Park· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:40 AM

Sunset

9:03 PM

Day Length

15h 22m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:41 AM

Sunset

9:03 PM

Day Length

15h 22m

Wed, Jul 1

Sunrise

5:41 AM

Sunset

9:02 PM

Day Length

15h 21m

Thu, Jul 2

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

9:02 PM

Day Length

15h 21m

Fri, Jul 3

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

9:02 PM

Day Length

15h 20m

Sat, Jul 4

Sunrise

5:43 AM

Sunset

9:02 PM

Day Length

15h 19m

Sun, Jul 5

Sunrise

5:43 AM

Sunset

9:02 PM

Day Length

15h 18m

Best dawn patrol spots in Charleston

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Featured Beaches(1)

Sunset Bay State Park

Intermediate

Sunset Bay is a crescent-shaped cove near Cape Arago with tide pools and a campground. It's popular with surfers when large winter swells create rolling pipes of ocean. On smaller days it's sheltered and calm, suitable for intermediates.

Dawn patrol access guide for Charleston

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Sunset Bay State Park
beach
lower-intermediate

Sunset Bay is a crescent-shaped cove near Cape Arago with tide pools and a campground. It's popular with surfers when large winter swells create rolling pipes of ocean. On smaller days it's sheltered and calm, suitable for intermediates.

Early access

A short walk leads from the parking lot to the sandy beach. Paddle out through the channel near the east headland to avoid shallow rocks.

Parking

Park at the state park day-use area off Cape Arago Highway; spaces can fill during summer. The park has restrooms and picnic tables.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Charleston

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Charleston

Dawn patrol in Charleston typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

Make the next surf call sharper

Check the forecast, surf the session, log what happened, and help Quiver keep tuning your local calls.

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