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 are traveling from Alaska to Baja Mexico. You can spot whales on their journey from mid-December through mid-January. The whales are making their migration South to calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico.

The end of December 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 December 27-31, 2024.

Trained volunteers are 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 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Here’s where volunteers are stationed during the event:

• Fort Stevens State Park–Peter Iredale Shipwreck
• Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook
• Cape Meares Lighthouse
• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
• The Whale Watching Center
• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
• Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint Cape Foulweather
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
• Yachats State Recreation Area
• Cape Perpetua Visitor Center – Viewing Platform
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Umpqua Lighthouse
• Shore Acres State Park
• Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint
• Harris Beach State Park

If you want a visual, 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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