Tides?

You can easily get caught by the rising tide and end up wading (or swimming!) around a promontory. Be cautious — especially when the wind and waves are high.
Top of Page | Safety

Are rogue waves a hazard? Rip tides?

Of course. Be aware that many hikers have been killed on the west coast surprised by huge freak waves that knocked them into the surf. Be cautious, especially when wading or fishing.

If you fall into freezing water on this rugged coast, especially with a pack, there’s a real chance you won’t be able to climb back up on to the slippery rocks.

Don’t stand too close to the water while taking photos.

On Black Sands Beach (Lost Coast Trail in northern California) in March 2000, hiker Barbara Clement was drowned after she was swept into the sea by a rogue wave.

Two 17-year-old students, David Elton and Brodie McDonald, also drowned when they jumped into the sea to rescue Clement.

Another student & a parent chaperone narrowly avoided being drowned while attempting to rescue the first three. They too could not regain the shore but were saved by the Coast Guard & a fishing boat alerted to the emergency by other students who ran to a beach house to phone for help.

Three hikers dead. Was this tragedy just a fluke?

About 17 months earlier, a woman walking along Black Sands Beach was swept into the Pacific Ocean by a powerful wave. She too drowned. The rip tide at that spot makes it impossible even for strong swimmers to get back to shore.

A momentary lapse of attention around the ocean can be deadly. Rogue waves (8-10 feet high) can swell out of nowhere, even on calm days. They sometimes pull in large vehicles and boulders.
Top of Page | Safety