Have you ever seen a whale?

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 25,000 gray whales will be traveling from the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico to Alaska. The first surge swims past Oregon around the end of March, and we watch the north-bound whales all the way until June.

There are many places to take in every spout and tail slap stretching the Oregon coastline, from Cannon Beach all the way south to Brookings. 

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

I would usually recommend viewing from the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. Unfortunately, the center is closed to the public until further notice. Yet, there are many places to stop and see whales off Highway 101. Below is a map of 24 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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