Whale watching along the Oregon coast is not only fun to do but a stunning site to behold. Since the coast of Oregon holds some of the best places in the US to spot whales, it’s safe to say that prepping and preparing ahead of time is likely to land you some stellar pictures and incredible views.
One of our favorite viewing areas is Cape Lookout State Park. Stunning trails lead directly to some breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean – with the potential to spot some whales.
Don’t forget to grab your binoculars and camera – you’ll want to have them!
🐋 ⛴️ Check out these whale watching tours on the Oregon Coast!
Best Locations to Spot Whales Along the North Oregon Coast
Whale Watching in Rockaway Beach
The beautiful part about watching whales at Rockaway Beach is that you have the potential to see thousands of them at one time.
During December, the whales migrate from Alaska and pass through Rockaway Beach. This means that anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of a while may see upwards of 20,000 of them. (Of course, this doesn’t happen all at once, but it is spread out over the month and makes for many great chances to view the whales.)
Where to Stay: Try this oceanfront condo that sleeps up to 6 and looks out directly over the ocean. You can watch for whales from the picture window, the balcony, or take a short walk down to the beach.
Whale Watching: Seaside, Oregon
Seaside is another fantastic location that offers the opportunity to see whales throughout the year. While December and January are the busier months of the year, patience may pay off and have you spotting whales during all the other months, too.
Most people will report seeing a couple of whales daily, sometimes up in the teens!
Where to Stay: This home is conveniently located just off the prominade in Seaside and can sleep up to 10!
Whale Watching Oregon Coast: Tillamook, OR
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Tillamook, Oregon you’ll find Cape Lookout State Park, one of our favorite locations to visit on the Oregon Coast. With a campground, cabins, sandy beaches, and hiking trails, there’s plenty to do if you need a break from whale watching.
If you’re up for a hike, the best location to see whales at Cape Lookout is at the tip of the Cape Lookout Trail. While the hike isn’t particularly difficult, it is about 5 miles round trip and has a slight grade, so I recommend you plan on about 4-5 hours to give you time to hike and watch for whales at the tip of the cape. It can be busy and gets muddy after it rains, so we suggest bringing waterproof hiking shoes for the kids – and you.
Where to Stay: This beachfront home is located a short drive from Cape Lookout in Tierra del Mar. With direct access to the beach and a deck that looks out over the ocean, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to watch for ocean life.
Whale Watching: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach has some of the top spots for whale watching! Ecola State Park gives a great view and excellent hiking options for the family.
If you can book a hotel or vacation on the beach, you can also relax in the comfort of your hotel room and sit out on the balcony to catch a glimpse of the whales passing by.
Join our newsletter and get instant access to our Outdoor Adventure Guide - 15 pages full of adventure tips, checklists, meal ideas, and more!
Plus, who doesn’t love sunset ocean views like this?
Where to Stay: This luxurious home has a front row seat to the famous Haystack Rock and a deck that is perfect for whale watching while drinking your morning coffee.
Best Locations to Spot Whales Along the Central Oregon Coast
Whale Watching in Newport, Oregon
When it comes to whale watching in Oregon, there are actually quite a few places where you can spot a whale or group of whales.
With all of these available options, narrow them down to the ones closest to you, and then pack up the car.
The views here are available all year long, and since it’s such a popular place to see whales, there will likely be quite a few people in the area during various times of the year.
Whale watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon, offers impressive views that will bring you back for more. With a massive sea wall running through town, you’ll feel like you’re on the water all the time.
Where to Stay: This stunning home in Newport has sweeping ocean views, private beach access, and is luxuriously appointed to accommodate groups of up to 10.
Whale Watching in Lincoln City, Oregon
Gray whales are the most common ones you’ll view during your time in Lincoln City. There are also a lot of whale-watching excursions that you can easily book as well that will take you out on the water to help spot whales.
This isn’t necessary, but some people find it helpful and have great luck using this type of service! It’s also a great experience to have an excursion like this. There is a huge difference between being in the water on a boat with the whales swimming nearby versus just seeing them while standing on the shore.
Where to Stay: This cute, coastal getaway sleeps up to 6, allows dogs, great views, and private beach access.
Whale Watching in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay is another great location to spot whales along the Oregon Coast. The Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center is ideal, and park staff and volunteers are available to help you spot whales and answer any questions you may have.
From the Center, you have the potential to spot a variety of whales, including orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and occasionally even blue whales.
The best time of year to see whales from this location is mid-December through mid-January as they are migrating South toward warmer waters. Alternatively, in late March through June, you can see gray whales as they migrate north toward Alaska. In addition, it’s common to see up to 15 whales a day here throughout summer and fall as well, as resident whales feed close to shore.
🐋 To increase your chances of seeing whales (and get a little closer), try this top-rated Depot Bay whale tour!
Where to Stay: This cute home is perched overlooking the waters of Depoe Bay and is just a short distance from the Whale Watching Center.
Best Locations to Spot Whales Along the Southern Oregon Coast
Harris Beach State Park
While the northern and central coast has more popular destinations for whale watching, the southern coast also provides ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
Harris Beach State Park is one southern Oregon Coast location to put on your list. With multiple viewpoints throughout the park, your odds are good during the winter and spring whale migrations.
Where to Stay: Located just outside Harris Beach State Park, this home is located right on the beach with spectacular views and four bedrooms that sleep up to 10.
You can also camp at Harris Beach State Park. Sites are first come, first served from November-May, though some loops do close during the winter months.
Tips for Whale Watching in Oregon
Whale watching is magical, but it also requires a lot of patience. Here are a few tips to help you be successful on your next whale-watching trip:
- For the best chances of spotting a whale, go during winter or spring migration (late December and late March are your best bets).
- Go early in the morning, especially if you’re watching from shore. It’s easiest to see whales in the distance in the morning light when the sun is at your back instead of blinding you in the face.
- Scan slowly. It can be tempting to dart your eyes back and forth across the sea, but if you slow down, you’re more likely to catch variations in the water and see spouts.
- Bring binoculars but start watching with your naked eye for whale spouts, tail flukes, breaching, or other movements. Then once you see something, you can use your binoculars to get a closer look.
- If you want a greater likelihood of spotting whales from a closer distance, consider booking a whale charter. While there are restrictions on how close boats can be to pods of whales, their experience and communication with other boats in the area can increase your chances.
- Remember your camera! If you have one with a zoom lens, this is the time to bring it out. You’ll want the chance to document seeing these sea creatures!
- Don’t forget about other birds and marine life! If you’re there on a clear day, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and other marine life near the surface of the water.
Orca Whale Watching in Oregon
If you’re hoping to see killer whales, you may have to dig deep and be really patient. Gray whales are most common to spot on the coast, but orca whales are always a possibility.
It’s been reported that April tends to be the best time of the year to try and catch a glimpse of these mammals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
When is whale watch week?
There are actually two Whale Watch Weeks at Oregon State Parks each year. They are generally in late December and late March. Whale Watch Week for Spring of 2023 runs from March 28-April 2, but you can find more information and additional dates here.
What time of day is best for whale watching in Oregon?
You need to rise early and start your day to catch a glimpse of the whales. Early morning hours provide the best atmosphere for spotting whales, as the sun isn’t at its highest point yet, and the winds are low.
When can you see orcas in Oregon?
It’s easiest to see these marine mammals during a Spring break vacation. Plan your trip around late March and see what you can find!
It’s more common to see gray whales, but you can spot and see Orcas in Oregon. While they’re unique and unusual, there are still many sightings of them. Be patient and relax on the coast until your eyes see what they came to see!
Is a whale-watching tour worth it?
This is all in the eye of the beholder, but there are some definite advantages to having a tour. The first is that you’re able to completely relax and spend your time having more eyes scanning the water with you, trying to spot the whales.
You’ll also be on the water, getting a better view that is much closer than you’d be able to have on shore. This then gives you a chance to take some incredible pictures, should the chance arise for the whales to show up.
Personally, we also think it’s better for kids. We did one a few years ago, and our kids loved the experience on the boat. They had way more patience than they would have had standing on the shore.
Private trips also allow you to ask the tour guides questions and learn more about the gray whale migrations as they’re happening. Many tour guides may know the best places to see whales and marine life as it passes by.
Just be sure that you plan ahead for whale sightings as it becomes a busy time of year during the end of March. Large groups should also plan ahead so that they can be accommodated during their trip. Marine discovery tours offer an up-close view and can be a great time!
How likely are you to see a whale while whale watching?
The percentage is pretty low, but that’s only because a lot of people try to spot whales during the off times of the year – or they just aren’t patient. You can greatly increase your chances by timing your visit with migrations.
While there is a resident pod of gray whales with around 200 members that live along the Oregon coast, the majority of whales are seen during migration when upwards of 15-20,000 whales pass through our waters. You can imagine how much easier they are to spot during the winter or spring migration due to the sheer numbers passing by!
Also, talk to locals to see where the latest reports of orca or gray whale sightings have occurred. Local whale watchers tend to know where the best spots are for year-round activity!
Ask a few questions, and they just might tell you an excellent place to go so that you can have the best whale-watching experience!
Where is the best place to watch whales on the Oregon Coast?
Depoe Bay is arguably the best location to spot whales in Oregon. While you still have great chances at the other locations on our list, Depoe Bay stands out as one of the most popular locations. A huge perk is the Whale Watching Center, where you can learn more about the whales and ask questions.
For more great locations to spot whales along the Oregon Coast, check out the map below to find a spot that’s convenient for you.
Map of Places to go Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
Final Thoughts on Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
When it comes to whale watching on the Oregon coast, you can’t go wrong with any of the destinations listed above. All offer a unique look and a great way to see these beautiful animals up close. Don’t forget about Oregon State Parks as you’re planning your trip! Many of them offer a close look to view the whales along the northern, central, and southern Oregon coast as well as the opportunity to camp along the coast in your RV.
Make a plan to get to the coast to spot the whales as they pass by and have your camera ready – because you’re about to experience something millions of others only dream about.
Now that you know all the best places to spot whales along the coast of Oregon, pick one and start!
