Don’t forget the dip

The coast serves up two cold-water plunges to start 2026

Spring Chambers at a well-provisioned dunk at Toledo’s Olalla Lake

Though few polar plunges are as well-appointed as the informal event on this week’s cover, there is still time to make a bracing start to 2026 at two upcoming cold-water dunks.

On Saturday, Jan 10, plungers can greet the Pacific at Cape Lookout State Park at the Tillamook County Family YMCA Polar Plunge, beginning at 1 pm at the park’s day-use pavilion.

The only cost is the $10 Oregon State Parks day-use parking fee or a valid parks pass.

Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee from Tillamook Dutch Bros and soup and scones provided by Pastega Activity Center will be served, and Netarts-Oceanside Fire and Rescue will be on site for water safety.

A second chilly opportunity follows on Saturday, Jan. 17, when the annual Siletz Bay Splash returns to Lincoln City, beginning at 10 am. Plungers will take a bracing dip into Siletz Bay, then warm up with hot chocolate, treats and a fire on the beach near the Taft Dock at 51st Street.

The event was moved from its traditional New Year’s Day timing due to King Tides running January 1 through 4.

“We certainly don’t want to encourage people jumping into the Siletz Bay during King Tides,” said Jeanne Sprague, parks and recreation director. “Safety is our first priority, but then comes fun.”

Sprague also addressed the possible concerns splashers might have about the effects the recent land slide on the Siletz River, which resulted in a large amount of construction debris landing on the beach in Taft.

“We have been communicating with North Lincoln Fire and Rescue to make sure the event site and date is safe for the public,” she said. “Our parks crew will be removing some large driftwood to make accessible paths for emergency vehicles, and we will clean the beach area of any debris prior to the start of the event.”

Once mostly associated with elite athletes and traditional Nordic spa culture, cold water immersion has surged into mainstream fitness and self-care circles. Social media, podcasts and wellness influencers have helped drive curiosity, with many participants reporting improved circulation, increased alertness, reduced muscle soreness and a surprising sense of calm after a dip.

Scientific research suggests that short, controlled exposure to cold water can stimulate the nervous system and trigger the release of endorphins, which might help explain why some people swear by the ritual as a way to start the day or reset after stress. Whether done outdoors at a chilly beach or lake or indoors with a purpose-built plunge tub, the practice continues to attract newcomers seeking a novel and invigorating way to challenge their bodies and minds.

If you’ve noticed more friends tagging their morning dips on social media or spotting plunge tubs stocked at wellness centers, you’re not alone: cold plunges have quietly become a cultural phenomenon rooted in both tradition and contemporary wellness trends.

Tillamook County Family YMCA Polar Plunge

Saturday, Jan. 10, 1 pm

Cape Lookout State Park day-use pavilion

Siletz Bay Splash

Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 am

Near the Taft Dock at 51st Street, Lincoln City