Emma Mannheimer

Emma Mannheimer

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

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town
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Spot migrating whales and other marine life from the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center.
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.

4 min read
Emma Mannheimer

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 from 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 roughly 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 website for more information and dates. (You can also watch recorded live streams from previous Whale Watching Weeks on Oregon State Parks’ YouTube channel.)

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

Questions About Whale Watching and Whale Watching Week

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 one, zero in on the 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. Whale Watching Weeks, when Oregon Parks and Recreation stations volunteers along the coast, are also ideal times for whale sightings. 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 17 whale-watching locations stretching from Astoria in the north down to Harris Beach State Park in the south — barely 9 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.

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

Head 13 miles (20.9 km) south of Cannon Beach on Highway 101 to 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.

a stretch of stunning coastline beneath a verdant mountain
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Neahkahnie Mountain is a forested headland offering stunning views of the Oregon coast.
bright blue sky with white and black lighthouse, people gathered in front of doorway on a path near coastal viewpoint
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Just south of Tillamook Bay sits Cape Meares Lighthouse, offering stunning views of the Oregon Coast and a gift shop.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
people walk on the wet sand on a sunny day at the beach with sand grass in the foreground and large rock formations in the background
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Visitors to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area will enjoy views of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

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, you may still see other marine life, and 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 Creamery and embark on a self-guided tour, complete with tasty samples.

Cape Kiwanda

Located just north of Pacific City, 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 Boiler Bay, Cape Perpetua or Depoe Bay instead.

Adventures in Seaside and Cannon Beach

Just 80 miles from Portland, the Oregon Coast communities of Cannon Beach and Seaside host attractions like Ecola State Park, dish fresh-caught seafood, offer sweeping views and welcome visitors with small-town charm.

LET'S GO

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views just off Highway 101. Post up at a picnic table (or, if the weather cooperates, spread a blanket on the grass) and break out the binoculars — you’ll enjoy aerial views of the whole bay, making it an ideal place to spy gray whales year-round. Ocean-going birds like albatrosses, oystercatchers and loons can be seen year-round too.

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center

If you’re up for a slightly longer trip, consider the 100-mile (161-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.

a whale watching center overlooking coastal waters under partly cloudy skies
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Spot migrating whales and other marine life from the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center.
Credit: Courtesy of Travel Oregon
two whale tails emerge from blue ocean waters
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Migrating whales can be seen from many viewing points along the Oregon Coast.
Credit: Courtesy of Travel Oregon

Depoe Bay Whale Watching Charters

Depoe Bay may be the world’s smallest navigable harbor, but it’s home to no fewer than four whale-watching charters. Whale Research EcoExcursions is run by marine biologist and gray 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 (243.8 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 Visitor Center to discover more things to do while you’re in the Siuslaw National Forest. If you’ve worked up an appetite, the charming coastal town of Yachats — located just 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Cape Perpetua — is a great place to grab a bite or explore local shops.

Oregon Coast

From the historic city of Astoria to the majesty of Haystock Rock in Cannon Beach and the tide pools of Yachats, the Oregon Coast is a rugged, unspoiled treasure that begins 90 minutes from Portland.

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