Winter storms create dramatic shows on our coastline. Tides are typically higher, the ocean is more turbulent, and all this creates a prime time for many great winter activities, including metal detecting. Here are some reasons why fall and winter may be the best times of the year to visit the coast – whether you’re a newbie or have experience in this fun activity that brings out the hope in most of us of finding buried treasure.
Preparing for the weather
Surprisingly, there are many fantastic, sunny days during the fall and winter in Florence. These sunny days are one of the hidden gems of being on the coast. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you check the weather before setting out on your day of fun. Dress in layers and keep a waterproof outer layer in your car or close by. Additionally, a hat and sunglasses are beneficial as they not only protect from the sun, but also assist in keeping blowing sand from becoming uncomfortable.
Consider upgraded headphones as part of your metal detecting gear. They will add comfort while you hunt and can help you hear better in stronger winds. A bag or backpack is necessary to store all the fun treasures you find.
Go by the tides
Before you go out to the shore, check the tide schedule. You will want to hunt during low tide and keep a wary eye on the waves. As you are walking along the beach, look for areas where sand has washed away. Additionally, look for new rocks uncovered by the wind and waves. A good practice is to lightly overlap your sweeps to avoid missing anything – almost as though you’re vacuuming your living room.
Be sure to head for the dry sand first where in summer (and our fantastic fall weather) people tend to lounge on blankets and let things slip out of their pockets.
And of course, don’t ignore a light signal. Finds may be buried deep, and a light signal could mean something exciting that just needs a bit of digging to be found.
After a storm
Winter storms on the beach are incredibly disruptive to the coastline. The wind and waves shift the sands around, uncovering and depositing objects in their wake. That means that there may be treasures discovered immediately after a storm that would otherwise stay buried and invisible! Metal detecting after a storm can yield surprising and possibly valuable items due to this disruption of the sand. You might even find a person’s class ring with a name and a year and be one of those people you see in the “happy news” segment of your local TV news. Imagine how fun it would be to find the owner and reunite him or her with their valuable keepsake.
Fewer crowds
Another perk of winter beach metal detecting is the lack of crowds. You have a very good chance of sharing the beach with very little company. Parking lots aren’t as full, and the summer crowds have retreated to their cities.
Morning and evenings are great times to find some peaceful solitude. If tide levels allow, these are great times to enjoy your hobby without competition, or interruption.
Book your trip!
When you consider how many people visit the Oregon Coast beaches each year, it makes sense that there would be a high probability of some great finds in the sand. While metal detecting can be rewarding throughout the year, with the additional perks during fall and winter, you will want to put this hobby at the top of your to-do list for the next few months!
The first step in planning a metal detecting adventure is to book a fantastic room at the Old Town Inn. We are your home base for coastal activities in every season.