Whale
Watching
Whale Watching Center
Oregon State Parks maintains a facility for watching migrating whales at Depoe Bay. mdi-chevron-right

More Things to Do

Explore the beach
Did you know that the Oregon Coast is uniquely protected for public use? Learn more about your visit. mdi-chevron-right
Bike a scenic road
Take your bike to beautiful curated routes in Oregon. mdi-chevron-right
Become a Junior Ranger
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to learn about plants, animals, and safety. mdi-chevron-right

Look for migrating whales

 

 

Whales in Oregon!

People come from all over the world to learn about the Gray whales that travel along the Oregon coast each year. Whales are visible from Oregon's shores all year long although some months are better than others.

In the winter we watch thousands of gray whales from mid-December through mid-January as they travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico.

Spring watching begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska. The first surge swims past Oregon around the end of March, and we watch the north-bound whales all the way until June.

Summer and Fall bring Oregon's resident Gray whales close to shore to feed. These are the approximately 200 whales that remain in Oregon's coastal waters during the summer migration. The central coast in particular is a hot-spot for whales from June to mid-November. 

Year-round park staff are ready to answer your questions and help you spot Gray whales at the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. Perched on the seawall, the center provides expansive ocean views and educational displays about whales and marine life. 

Explore on your own: Use the map below to find a great place to look for these amazing ocean giants. Download our whale watching brochure to learn out about whale swimming patterns and habits, such as breaching, spyhopping and diving.

Whale Watch Week

Oregon State Parks celebrates the migration twice per year during Whale Watch Weeks in late December and late March. The program places volunteers at 15 whale watching sites in the winter and spring. Volunteers help visitors see and learn about migrating and resident Gray whales. 

Would you like to be a volunteer?

Last year, volunteers spoke with thousands visitors from around the globe. Volunteers also count whales spotted and number of visitors at the 15 designated sites during each Whale Watch Week.

Learn more and sign up at orwhalewatch.org.

Locations to see whales in Oregon

 
View a larger map

 

Check out this map for a list of designated locations volunteers will be staffed during each of our official Whale Watch Weeks.

Even if it isn't Whale Watch Week, these are great locations to be on the lookout for Gray whales and other marine mammals!