Each winter, nearly 20,000 gray whales swim along the Oregon Coast as they travel south from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California, Mexico. One of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, the round-trip journey is more than 10,000 miles.
Late December through January is the best time for seeing whales during their winter migration. 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 winter whale-watching trip.
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Gray Whale Migration
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. Their goal: To reach Mexico safely, where they’ll give birth to their calves in the shallow, warm lagoons and bays of Baja.
Then in late March, the whales will begin the spring migration back north to Alaska, accompanied by their new calves. During summer and fall, resident whales also regularly feed offshore in the shallow areas of Oregon’s coastline.
When Is the Best Time for Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast?
This winter, whale watching season will peak December 27-31, 2023 and whales can be seen from several locations along the Oregon Coast. During Winter Whale Watch Week, Oregon State Parks volunteers will be available at 15 locations along the coast to help visitors see whales from the shore and answer questions.
Spring Whale Watch Week will take place March 23-31, 2024. June through October is the best time for seeing Oregon’s resident whales.
Winter Whale-Watching Essentials
Be prepared for winter whale watching at the Oregon Coast with these essentials.
Where are the Best Places for Seeing Whales on the Oregon Coast?
Depoe Bay is the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast and one of the best places to see whales year-round. The Whale Watching Center operated by Oregon State Parks 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 whale-watching sites along the entire length of the coast in Oregon and SW Washington with a good chance of seeing whales:
North Coast
- 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 Coast
- Inn at Spanish Head, Lincoln City
- Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Depoe Bay
- Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Foulweather
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport
- Cape Perpetua, Yachats
- Cook’s Chasm, Yachats
South Coast
- 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 learn more about 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 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.Â
Whale-watching charter boat tours are also available if you’re interested in seeing whales up close. There are a handful of charter companies operating out of Depoe Bay harbor. If you’re prone to seasickness, keep in mind the Oregon seas do get rough in winter and trips may be dependent on current weather conditions.
Plan an Oregon Coast Whale Watching Trip
Take advantage of lower winter hotel and vacation rental prices at the Oregon Coast while you can. We’ve been seeing more than 30% off regular price at select properties.
Watch for whales from your cliffside balcony at the Inn at Otter Crest located about 10 minutes south of Depoe Bay.  Â
The Inn at Spanish Head has been a fixture on the coast in Lincoln City for more than 50 years. All rooms are oceanfront with large windows and unobstructed views of the ocean for seeing whales.
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.Â
Search for your travel dates to find the latest deals on Oregon Coast hotels and vacation rentals and book in advance for the best options. Oceanfront hotels do tend to fill up on the weekends during popular times like Whale Watching week.
Be sure to bundle up if you plan on watching whales outside or walking on Oregon’s beaches in winter. Beaches are often windy and rain gear is essential to stay dry and warm.
We recommend waterproof rather than water-resistant rain protection if you plan on spending time outside at the Oregon Coast in winter. See our guide to waterproof jackets and waterproof footwear for help deciding.
You might also be interested in:
- Winter travel packing guide for cold-weather destinations
- Best spots for winter storm watching on the Oregon Coast and seeing king tides
- Guide to Depoe Bay, including restaurants and more things to do
- Stay in Lincoln City for more hotel and dining options
Remember to be safe while you’re out on the Oregon Coast in winter. 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.Â
- 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.
