The Oregon Coast offers front row seats for folks to witness the yearly migration of the grey whale.
Winter Whale Watching can be observed as gray whales cruise along the Oregon coast en route from Alaska to Mexico, spouting geyser-like blasts of spray as they go. Thanks to towering coastal bluffs and a string of beaches set aside as state parks, Oregon offers visitors front-row seats for whale watching. People come from all over the United States to learn about the gray whales that migrate past our coast each year. There have been sightings of the great Humpback, too.
Follow Oregon Coast Whale Watchers on Facebook for real time sightings.
Quite a few sightings already this fall.
Oregon Coast Whale Watchers Whale Fact: ‘Did you know that Gray Whales take months to migrate to their Winter grounds in lagoons off Baja Mexico? The pregnant females seem to commonly be first to migrate south. The other Gray Whales tend to linger and feed through November and December as long as there is food. The major push of the population south occurs in late December and into January. We have even seen some Gray Whales forgo their trip south and feed along our coast all Winter long. So there are still plenty of whales around to see!’
Located on U.S. 101 along the seawall in scenic Depoe Bay, the Whale Watching Center is but one place to locate and watch whales as they blow, dive, spy hop and breach. About 18,000 gray whales will pass by in about 4 weeks, from mid-December to mid-January. The same locations are still great viewing spots.
Whales are visible from Oregon’s shores year round. Even more during the winter and spring migrations. Oregon State Parks celebrates the migration twice per year during Whale Watch Weeks in late December and late March. The Whale Watching Spoken Here® program places volunteers at 17 whale watching sites, ready to help visitors see and learn about migrating and resident Gray whales. Use this map to help plan your next whale watching trip. These are some of the best places to spot gray whales during the winter and spring annual migrations.
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns on the Oregon Coast can be home base for your trip to the Oregon Coast to witness this yearly migration. From Astoria to Port Orford, 5 inspected and approved bed and breakfast inns of the Oregon B&B Guild will provide the ultimate in Oregon Coast Lodging.
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
