Reading Tide Tables

Tide tables generally list both the high and low tides for each day of the month, with each row listing the tides of a single day.  For each day, tide tables list the time of the each tide and, where appropriate, the levels of high and low tide.

In most tide tables, the columns are the low tides (am and pm, as appropriate) and the high tides (am and pm, as appropriate); since the columns for the low tides and high tides are placed next to each other, the tide levels do do appear in chronological order as you read each row left to right.  Tide tables are sometimes made easier to read by highlighting the "minus" tides and/or by highlighting the morning tides; some tide tables add other helpful information, such as the day of the week, time of sunrise and sunset, or the phase of the moon.

To tidepool on the Oregon Coast, we recommend visiting the beach during tide levels of +1 foot or lower; we recommend clamming during tide levels of -1 foot or lower.

Remember:
  • Tide changes are progressions, not sudden jumps from one level to the next. 
  • Waves can be somewhat irregular and "sneaker waves" can drive water far up
           the beach even during the lowest tides.
  • Tide tables are predictions; the actual tide level may be affected by transient
           weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.

For more information on tides in general, visit our tides article from the archive.

For general tide tables for Charleston, Oregon, visit our low tides page.

For specific details on days, times, and levels of regional tides, visit
the Hatfield Marine Science Center's tide tables pages.
(note—although these tables are for South Beach, Oregon, the tides there are within minutes of tides at Charleston, Oregon; for the more detail-minded, there is a link to corrections tables)
or contact us.