Florence - South Jetty breaks at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, where the town of Florence meets the Pacific between two massive rock jetties. It sits just south of Heceta Head and its lighthouse, on a stretch of the Oregon coast that's mostly sand dunes broken only by the occasional rivermouth. The south jetty juts out and angles to the south, forming a sheltered nook, and on the right day a good left peels between the jetties off the south jetty, running about a third the size of the outside swell. Waves break over sand and come both left and right.
When It Works
The break draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest swell the best match. The sheltered nook comes to life on small summer days, while the left between the jetties favours bigger west swells at lower tides. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and it picks up swell reliably, so it's a consistent option when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind. The spot can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Take care if you're surfing between the jetties: a lot of water drains through the rivermouth, and an outgoing tide can pull you past the bar no matter how hard you paddle, so check the tide charts before you head out.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. Expect a busy lineup when it's working, and be aware that some die-hard locals treat it as their own and can be unfriendly. There are also moderate shark worries worth keeping in mind.
Access
You'll find restrooms, showers, camping, a lifeguard, and a surf shop, along with a car park with free parking. To reach the south jetty, cross the river to Glenada and turn into the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, then follow the narrow blacktop for about 5 mi (8 km). When it breaks up into giant potholes, you're getting close. Walk out onto the jetty and check both sides.
