Dawn patrol surfing in Manzanita

Manzanita, Oregon

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

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

Sunrise

5:29 AM
First Light: 4:59 AM

Day length: 15h 42m

Same as yesterday

Sunrise

5:29 AM

First light: 4:59 AM

Sunset

9:11 PM

Last light: 9:41 PM

Data from Short Sands· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:29 AM

Sunset

9:11 PM

Day Length

15h 42m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:29 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 41m

Tue, Jun 30

Sunrise

5:30 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 41m

Wed, Jul 1

Sunrise

5:30 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 40m

Thu, Jul 2

Sunrise

5:31 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 39m

Fri, Jul 3

Sunrise

5:31 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 39m

Sat, Jul 4

Sunrise

5:32 AM

Sunset

9:10 PM

Day Length

15h 38m

Best dawn patrol spots in Manzanita

Loading map...

Featured Beaches(1)

Short Sands

Beginner friendly

This sandy cove in Oswald West State Park offers fun peaks and a mellow vibe. It's a popular spot for beginners and longboarders, although October and November groom the sandbars for occasional barrels and long rides. The beach is reached via a forest trail and is sheltered from north winds, but heavy winter swells can be powerful.

Dawn patrol access guide for Manzanita

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Short Sands
beach
beginner

This sandy cove in Oswald West State Park offers fun peaks and a mellow vibe. It's a popular spot for beginners and longboarders, although October and November groom the sandbars for occasional barrels and long rides. The beach is reached via a forest trail and is sheltered from north winds, but heavy winter swells can be powerful.

Early access

Follow the well-marked trail from the parking area, cross the bridge over Short Sands Creek, and walk across the creek mouth. Check tides to avoid wading at high tide.

Parking

Park at the Oswald West lot off Highway 101 and take the half-mile trail through old-growth forest to the beach. Arrive early on summer weekends as spaces fill up quickly.

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 Manzanita

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

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Manzanita

Dawn patrol in Manzanita 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.

Learn More

iPhone app is live. Android is coming soon.