Watch whales that linger near shore during Oregon summers.
While plenty of people flock to the Oregon Coast in winter and spring to see migrating whales and participate in Whale Watch Week events, the summer season brings plenty of opportunities to spot whales, too. While most Pacific gray whales spend their lives migrating between the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Alaska and the warmer lagoons of Baja California, ideal for breeding and calving, you’ll find about 200 that stick around and feed in Oregon Coast waters in summer and fall.
Known casually as resident whales (and officially as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group), these gentle giants are technically still migratory. While most do go to Baja to breed, they tend to treat the waters of the Pacific Northwest — not Alaska — as their summer home. For visitors to the Oregon Coast, this means ample opportunities to see whales during the summertime. Here are some great spots for summertime whale-watching fun.
Scenic Bluffs on the South Coast
The scenic South Coast offers miles of whale-watching opportunities along its bluff-lined shores. Cape Arago State Park is a great place to start, as it looks over a rocky reef that doubles as a whale buffet. There’s also plenty of whale activity in the Port Orford area; South Coast Tours offers a whale-focused boat tour that departs from the town’s port and heads out into the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. Near the southernmost end of the Oregon Coast, the famously gorgeous Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor offers great whale-watching from its many beaches and scenic overlooks, including the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, accessible via a mile-long out-and-back trail.
Whale Congregations on the Central Coast
Nicknamed the “whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast,” Depoe Bay is one of the most popular spots for summertime whale spotting, with plenty of ways to get close to the marine creatures. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center is a great place to begin. Situated right on the bay, this two-story complex features huge picture windows and an outdoor observation deck, and staff members report seeing anywhere from five to 15 whales per day during the summer and fall resident season. Rangers and docents are always available to answer questions and give spotting tips when on site.
Less than a two-minute walk away, the Whale, Sealife & Shark Museum is equally worth a visit. This compact, family-friendly museum was started by marine biologist Carrie Newell, a leading expert on Oregon’s summer residents. For an up-close look at these whales, join Newell and her dog Koda on a Whale Research EcoExcursions whale-watching boat tour, where sightings are enriched with plenty of fun facts about their biology and habitat.
South of town, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint is another excellent place to spot summer residents, which will often swim within 100 feet of the shore to get food. For an aerial view of summer residents, head to the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, which sits at around 500 feet above sea level. If you come on a clear day and look down, you may be able to see the entire length of a whale, from head to tail.
Beachfront Viewing on the North Coast
The North Coast has plenty of spots to view residents in the late summer and early fall. Seaside Aquarium’s assistant manager, Tiffany Boothe, suggests visiting the Cove in Seaside, where whales frequently come close to the shoreline to feed on tiny baitfish. “The beach between Gearhart and the South Jetty can also be a hot spot for viewing whales,” she adds. “If food is plentiful, they will stick around for a while.”
Near Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers scenic ocean views, though you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of whales passing by than stopping for a snack. On the Tillamook Coast, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers a great vantage point for seeing resident whales feeding off the shore — just bring binoculars for a close-up look.
For more great places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast, check out the Marine Mammal Institute on Oregon State University’s Whale Watching Map. Feeling inspired to share your love and knowledge of whales? Consider signing up to volunteer for the next Whale Watch Week at your favorite coastal site.
– By Margot Bigg
– Top photo by Manuela Durson / Travel Southern Oregon Coast