Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast

Photo by Rudy Kirchner

Oregon is truly a natural wonder. In Portland, we’re lucky enough to live a short drive from the mountain and the ocean. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip or want to get out of the city during winter break, head to the coast for whale watching.

Nearly 20,000 gray whales will be traveling from Baja Mexico to Alaska. You can spot whales on their journey from late March until June. The whales are making their migration North from the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico.

The end of March is the peak time to see the whales along the Oregon Coast. There are many places to take in every spout and tail slap stretching the Oregon coastline, from Astoria all the way south to Brookings. 

If you’re feeling cooped up and need to get out, take a drive to the coast. Pack a lunch, a pair of binoculars and make a whole day out of spotting a whale or two.

Whale Watching Week

Whale Watching Week is taking place March 23-31.

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. I recommend visiting the  Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. It is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Below is a map of 15 designated whale watching locations. Choose a location below and spend a day seeing one of the world’s greatest migrations.

For more information about whale watching on the Oregon coast, visit the Oregon State Parks website.

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