The OPRD Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, OR. (Photo by Katie Falkenberg)

Credit: Courtesy of Travel Oregon

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

More than 20,000 gray whales pass by Oregon's shores during their spring and winter migrations.

Updated Nov. 2, 2022 3 min read

Emma Mannheimer

Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More

Oregon’s whale watching season peaks twice a year: during winter (mid-December–mid-January) and spring (late February–May), when as many as 20,000 gray whales migrate between their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to the shallow lagoons of Baja California, Mexico.

To celebrate this migration (and teach folks more about whales and the ocean), Oregon Parks and Recreation hosts biannual Whale Watching Weeks, stationing volunteers at more than 20 sites along the coast during peak migration times. Trained volunteers answer visitor questions and provide information that can enhance your whale watching experience. Visit Oregon State Parks’ whale watching webpage for more information and dates.

Early summer through mid-autumn is also a good time for whale watching in Oregon. The resident population of 200+ gray whales cruise the coast from June to mid-November.

Know Before You Go

Springtime Whale Watching Week is canceled in 2022, but you can watch recorded livestreams from previous Whale Watching Weeks on Oregon State Parks’ YouTube channel.

Where To See Whales on the Oregon Coast

The prime whale-spotting locations in Oregon are along the central coast, but whales can pop up almost anywhere. Below is a list of the top places in Oregon to see whales throughout the year, listed from north to south.

Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint

Thirteen miles (20.9 km) south of Cannon Beach on Highway 101, you’ll find the turnoff for this coastal peak between mile markers 41 and 42 (just north of Manzanita). Besides being known as a good place to spot whales, Neahkahnie Mountain is also known for its remarkable views and legends of long-buried Spanish treasures.

Neahkahnie Mountain and Short Sand beach framed by spring foliage

bright blue sky with white and black lighthouse, people gathered in front of doorway on a path near coastal viewpoint — Tour the Oregon Coast lighthouses.

sunny day at the beach, people walk on the wet sand with the sand grass in the foreground and large rock formations in the background — Drive on to the beach at Cape Kiwanda to watch the local surfers and climb the dune.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Pinpoint blowholes from 200 feet (61 m) above the ocean at Cape Meares Lighthouse, erected in 1889. Admire Oregon’s largest Sitka spruce at the entrance to the park before enjoying a brisk walk to the lighthouse. If the whales don’t appear, the area offers conciliatory wildlife spotting. Check out the largest colony of nesting common murres (a penguin-like bird), as well as sea lions and seals. Since you’re in Tillamook, hit the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory and embark on a self-guided tour, complete with tasty samples.

Cape Kiwanda

Located just north of Pacific City Ore., Cape Kiwanda is a sandstone headland that juts into the powerful Pacific. The path to the top is steep but worth the view. Not interested in cardio? Try Cape Perpetua or Depoe Bay instead.

Questions About Whale Watching

How do you spot a whale?

The best way to spot a whale is to scan the horizon with the naked eye for spouts, which can reach up to 12 feet (3.7 m). Once you’ve spied on one, zero in on an active area with binoculars.

When can you see whales in Oregon?

Migrating whales visit Oregon’s shores from mid-December through mid-January and from late March through the end of May. Resident gray whales are most commonly seen from June through mid-November. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, Ore., sees up to 15 whales per day during peak seasons.

What’s the best place for whale watching on the Oregon coast?

Oregon’s central coast is known as the best place to see whales, but they can appear anywhere. Oregon State Parks has a map of 24 whale watching locations stretching from Astoria in the north down to Harris Beach State Park in the south – barely nine miles (14.5 km) from the California border.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is a popular whale-spotting destination due to its prime location, large viewing deck and helpful staff. Binoculars are available, and there are informative displays for visitors.

How far is Depoe Bay from Portland?

Depoe Bay is 101 miles (163 km) from downtown Portland. The drive takes about two hours and fifteen minutes.

What are some commonly seen whales in Oregon?

The most commonly seen whale in Oregon is the Pacific gray whale. There are several other cetaceans you can spot off the Oregon coast, including bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, orcas (also known as killer whales) and blue whales.

Seaside and Cannon Beach

There may not be a sea breeze in the City of Roses, but with two popular beach towns just 90 minutes away, it’s easy to take a day trip to the Oregon Coast from Portland.

LET'S GO

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

If you’re up for a slightly longer trip, consider the 100-mile (160 km) drive to the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, Ore. The knowledgeable staff provides tips, insights and plenty of binoculars. There’s even a heated indoor viewing area along the seawall to keep cold and stormy weather at bay.

Humpback, orca and blue whales have also been observed here, so prepare to nerd out on all things marine mammal. When you’re done, enjoy a hot buttered rum alongside a bowl of velvety clam chowder at Gracie’s Sea Hag.

lookout and visitor center overlooking the harbor and Pacific Ocean — The OPRD Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, OR. (Photo by Katie Falkenberg)

whale tails emerge from the ocean — Views of whales playing in the ocean.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Charters

Depoe Bay, Ore., may be the world’s smallest navigable harbor, but it’s home to no fewer than four whale-watching charters. Whale Research Eco Excursions is run by marine biologist and grey whale Researcher Carrie Newell. Visit their Facebook page for a list of recent marine animal sightings. Dockside Charters posts semi-weekly whale-watching updates throughout the season. Other Depoe Bay-based charter boat operators include Tradewinds and Whale’s Tail Charters.

Cape Perpetua

On a clear day, you can see 30+ miles (48+ km) out to sea from the Cape Perpetua headland. At 800 feet (244 m) of elevation, the overlook is the highest point you can drive to on the Oregon Coast. When you’re done whale spotting, visit the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center to discover more things to do while you’re in the Siuslaw National Forest.

Attractions, Outdoors, Region

Oregon Coast

From the historic city of Astoria to the tide pools of Yachats, the Oregon Coast is a rugged, unspoiled treasure that begins 90 minutes from Portland.

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