Swell Intel

Jug Handle State Reserve Surf Forecast

Northern California

Jug Handle State Reserve surf spot

Current Conditions

Poor
Wave Height
7-8ft
overhead
Swell Period
8.45s
Wind
23mph
N / Gusts 35mph
Conditions
Poor
Active Swells
Primary
1.0ft @ 16sSW
Secondary
0.6ft @ 12sSSW
Wind Swell
7.9ft @ 8sNW

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Spot Guide

Break
Beach
Bottom
Rock
Level
Advanced
Crowd
Light
Best Swell
NW
Best Wind
E
Season
Winter

Jug Handle State Reserve sits along the rugged Northern California coast near Caspar, offering raw and powerful surf shaped by the exposed rocky shoreline and consistent northwest swells that barrel down from the open Pacific. The spot's southeast-facing orientation means it picks up a good angle on the dominant winter groundswells, producing punchy, often hollow waves that reward experienced surfers willing to navigate the technical entry and exit over rocky terrain. Its remote character and limited access keep crowds minimal, making it a rewarding find for adventurous surfers exploring the wild Mendocino coast.

RocksStrong currentsCold waterSharksIsolated locationHeavy shore break

Forecast Charts

Daily Forecast

Thu, Mar 26Poor

Slim pickings today — 7-8ft and poor with glassy conditions.

6am9am12pm3pm
16s SW|Calm
Fri, Mar 27Fair - Good

Get out early for the best of it — 7-8ft waves on NW swell at 10s and calm winds. Surf tapers off through the afternoon to 6-7ft.

6am9am12pm3pm
10s NW|Calm
Sat, Mar 28Fair - Good

Get out early for the best of it — 7-8ft waves on NW swell at 10s and glassy conditions. Conditions go downhill through the afternoon.

6am9am12pm3pm
10s NW|Calm
Sun, Mar 29Fair - Good

Rideable all day with 4-5ft waves on NW swell at 8s and calm winds.

6am9am12pm3pm
9s NW|Calm
Mon, Mar 30Fair - Good

First light looks cleanest — 3-4ft on NW swell at 6s with calm winds. It gets a bit messier later in the day.

6am9am12pm3pm
6s NW|Calm

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Jug Handle State Reserve Surf Forecast FAQ

What is the current surf forecast for Jug Handle State Reserve?
The current wave height at Jug Handle State Reserve is 7-8ft with a 8.45s swell period. Wind is N at 23mph. Conditions are rated Poor.
How accurate is the Jug Handle State Reserve surf forecast?
Our Jug Handle State Reserve forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends.