It’s time for Oregon’s spring Whale Watch Week — Saturday, March 22 to Sunday, March 30. In late March, the gray whales begin migrating up the coast on their way back to Alaska.
“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow,” said park ranger Peter McBride.
🐋 More Gray Whales
There’s good news: A die-off of gray whales ended last year. The population is increasing. Scientists expect 19,260 gray whales to pass by the Oregon Coast this year, compared with last year, when just 14,500 whales were expected.
📍 Many Places To Go
Volunteers will be out at one of 14 state parks along the coast helping people catch a glimpse — from Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, to Harris Beach State Park near the California border. Look for them between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Catching sight of a gray whale. (NOAA Fisheries)
🐳 Or Head to Depoe Bay
That’s where the state’s Whale Watching Center is located. Volunteers will be lending binoculars and be around longer hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Related: 🚢 You can also find whale-watching tours by boat — out of Depoe Bay.
🕢 When To Go
If you want to see a whale, it might require getting there early in the day. The winds are calmer in the morning, meaning the ocean is more placid too. That makes it easier to spot a spurt of water or a fin here and there.
⚠️ Reminder: It’s a good idea to know the schedule for tides and to exercise caution around the ocean.
