The arrival of March means it’ll soon be time for the annual spring migration of gray whales. Leaving the comfort of their warm lagoons in Baja, Mexico, the whales will make their way back north to Alaska, passing by Oregon on the way. One of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, the round-trip journey is more than 10,000 miles.
Late March is the best time for seeing the Oregon whale migration in spring. We’ve rounded up a list of where to go whale watching at the Oregon Coast, along with information and tips to help you plan a fun spring whale-watching trip.
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Gray Whale Migration
In winter, the grey whales leave their homes in Alaska and migrate south to their breeding grounds in Mexico. It takes about 2 months for the average gray whale to get from Alaska to Baja, Mexico, covering about 100 miles a day.
Along the way, they face various dangers including boat collisions and entanglement in fishing lines and equipment. Once they reach Mexico safely, they’ll give birth to calves in the shallow, warm lagoons and bays of Baja.
In spring, the whales begin their migration back north to Alaska, accompanied by their new calves.
When Is the Best Time for Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast?
Spring Whale Watch Week will take place March 23-31, 2024, at various points along the Oregon Coast and whales will continue heading north through May.
During summer and fall, resident whales also regularly feed offshore in the shallow areas off Oregon’s coastline. Late May through October is the best time to see whales in Oregon that live and feed along the central coast.
The winter whale migration begins the last week of December and continues through January.
During Whale Watch Week in spring and winter, Oregon State Parks volunteers will be available at 15 locations along the coast to help visitors see whales from the shore and answer questions.
Things to Know Before You Go Whale Watching
Be sure to bundle up if you plan on whale watching outside for an extended time. The Oregon coastline and beaches are often windy and rain gear is essential to stay dry.
We recommend waterproof rather than water-resistant rain protection for the Oregon Coast for most of the year. See our guide to waterproof jackets and waterproof footwear for help on how to choose the right rain gear.
Spring Whale-Watching Essentials
Be prepared for spring whale watching at the Oregon Coast with these useful essentials to stay warm and dry.
- Waterproof windbreaker with a hood
- Warm hoodie, sweater or fleece
- Insulated gloves or hand warmers
- Merino wool socks
- Waterproof boots
- Ear warmers or beanie
- Waterproof binoculars
- Water-resistant backpack
- Insulated coffee mug with lid
See our complete packing checklist for spring
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Where are the Best Places for Seeing Whales on the Oregon Coast?
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon
Depoe Bay is the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast and one of the best places to see whales in Oregon year-round. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is operated by Oregon State Parks and provides information, binoculars and unobstructed views of the ocean from the edge of the seawall.
In addition to Depoe Bay, Oregon State Parks recommends several other sites along the entire length of the coast in Oregon and SW Washington with a good chance of seeing whales. Each link provides more information about the area and a map follows for directions to each whale watching site.
Northern Oregon Coast Whale Watching
- Cape Disappointment, Long Beach, WA
- Fort Stevens State Park, Astoria
- Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach
- Neahkahnie Mountain, Manzanita
- Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Oceanside
- Cape Lookout State Park
- Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City
Central Oregon Coast Whale Watching
- Inn at Spanish Head, Lincoln City
- Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
- Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Foulweather – Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport
- Cape Perpetua, Yachats
- Cook’s Chasm, Yachats
Southern Oregon Coast Whale Watching
- Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Reedsport
- Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay
- Face Rock State Park, Bandon
- Battle Rock Wayside, Port Orford
- Cape Ferrelo, Brookings
Oregon Coast Whale Watching Map
Just click the map below to get directions to each whale watching location. You can also download a map (pdf) from Oregon State Parks.
How to Spot Whales on the Oregon Coast – What to Look For
Gray whales measure nearly 50 feet long and weigh up to 90,000 pounds. Their tails alone are nearly 10 feet wide. Two small eyes are located near the corners of the mouth on either side of the head and their mottled gray skin is often covered in white barnacles, cyanids (whale lice) and scars.
Comfortable in shallow water, gray whales migrate close to shore. They are primarily bottom feeders, but they need to come to the surface frequently to get fresh air.
To spot whales from the shore, scan the surface of the water for puffs of mist that rise up to 12 feet high and then slowly dissipate. Keep watching near the mist cloud and you may see a whale’s head or tail pop up, and if you’re lucky you may see a full breach.
Whale Watching Tours in Depoe Bay
Whale watching tours in Depoe Bay are also available if you’re interested in seeing whales up close. There are several reputable charter boat companies operating out of Depoe Bay harbor, including Dockside Charters, Whale’s Tail Charters, Whale Research EcoExcursions and Tradewinds Charters. If you’re prone to seasickness, keep in mind the Oregon seas do get rough and trips may be dependent on current weather conditions.
Plan an Oregon Coast Whale Watching Trip
Oregon Coast Hotels for Whale Watching
🐳 Best Hotel Balcony for Whale-Watching: Watch for whales from your cliffside balcony at the Inn at Otter Crest located about 10 minutes south of Depoe Bay, Oregon. Guests love the secluded location and incredible views.
👍 10/10 Excellent “What a view! We had the unit highest up the hill, so it was a long walk from the parking lot. However, the view of the ocean was magnificent! We saw a whale spouting as soon as we stepped out on the balcony! The room was spacious and very clean.”
The Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City has been a fixture on the Oregon Coast for more than 50 years. All rooms are oceanfront with large windows and unobstructed views of the ocean.
🚶♂️ Close to Whale Watching Center: SCP Depoe Bay is an eco-friendly lodge offering modern rooms with a view and it’s located right across the harbor from the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. Guests love the positive atmosphere and lovely view of the harbor.
👍 10/10 Exceptional “This was super cute! Love that it was dog-friendly and had a great view of the harbor. We loved the granola and coffee they provided in the morning.”
Vacation Rentals Near Depoe Bay
Vacation rentals are also a good option for lodging in Depoe Bay, including this oceanfront corner condo where you can spot whales from your living room or patio.
Enter your travel dates to see the latest deals on hotels and vacation rentals near Depoe Bay and book now for spring Whale Watch Week. Oceanfront hotels do tend to fill up during peak whale-watching seasons in Oregon, especially on weekends.
❗ Remember to be safe while you’re out on the Oregon Coast. Storms and high tides can bring huge and dangerous waves.
Essential Beach Safety for the Oregon Coast
The ocean waves in Oregon are very powerful and unpredictable. Please enjoy the beaches safely and follow these guidelines.
- Check the tide tables before visiting the beach so you don’t get trapped by incoming tides. Visit about 1 hour before low tide, as the water is still receding.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Rocks are often slippery at the beach.
- Watch out for sneaker waves on the Oregon Coast. These waves appear out of nowhere and are dangerously fast and powerful. Don’t turn your back to the ocean.
- Rip currents are strong undertows that can sweep you off your feet. Admire the ocean from a safe distance or stay in shallow, calm areas.
Stay back from cliff edges as erosion can cause the ground to become unstable. Beware of falling rocks, heed warning signs, stay behind safety fences and stay off jetties.
