Dawn patrol surfing in Lincoln City

Lincoln City, Oregon

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

First light in Lincoln City means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

7:12 AM
First Light: 6:42 AM

Day length: 9h 39m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

7:12 AM

First light: 6:42 AM

Sunset

4:51 PM

Last light: 5:21 PM

Data from Nelscott Reef · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

7:12 AM

Sunset

4:51 PM

Day Length

9h 39m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

7:13 AM

Sunset

4:50 PM

Day Length

9h 37m

Sun, Nov 15

Sunrise

7:15 AM

Sunset

4:49 PM

Day Length

9h 34m

Mon, Nov 16

Sunrise

7:16 AM

Sunset

4:48 PM

Day Length

9h 32m

Tue, Nov 17

Sunrise

7:17 AM

Sunset

4:47 PM

Day Length

9h 29m

Wed, Nov 18

Sunrise

7:19 AM

Sunset

4:46 PM

Day Length

9h 27m

Best dawn patrol spots in Lincoln City

Dawn patrol access guide for Lincoln City

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Nelscott Reef
reef
advanced

Half a mile off Lincoln City, Nelscott Reef is Oregon's big-wave arena where west swells and east winds produce 25-50 ft monsters. Only expert surfers with jetski support attempt this outer reef.

Early access

Paddling is not recommended; surfers launch via jetski from the harbor. Coordinate with a local team and safety crew.

Parking

Park at Canyon Drive Park or on SW 3rd Avenue. Spotters can watch from the beach or cliffs.

Roads End Beach is the public ocean shoreline reached through Roads End State Recreation Site in northern Lincoln City.

Early access

Use the state recreation site beach path and required day-use parking permit. Check tides before walking around Roads End Point; rising water can cut off the cove.

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 Lincoln City

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Lincoln City

Dawn patrol in Lincoln City 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.