Gray Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
Twice a year, 20,000 whales pass by Oregon’s Coast on their migratory route in December and March. Read on for elevated vantage points perfect for Oregon Coast whale watching.
Best Oregon Coast Places for Whale Watching
Cape Lookout State Park – Whale Watching Spot
Cape Lookout State Park, Whiskey Creek Road, Tillamook, OR, USA
Part of the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Cape Lookout is home to a trail that follows the headland for more than two miles with plenty of viewpoints along the way.
Ecola State Park – Whale Watching Spot
Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR, USA
A popular spot for its scenic coastal views with and without whales. Ecola’s entrance road from Cannon Beach winds through a lush Sitka spruce forest before leading to a parking area with access to a picnic area on a grassy bluff and trails to the beach and cliffside viewpoints.
Neahkahnie Mountain – Whale Watching Spot
Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon, USA
Stop at the historical marker along Highway 101 towards Manzanita. The multiple highway turnouts are lined with low rockwork walls. Hikers can climb the nearby Neahkahnie Mountain trails for even higher views.
Meet Whale Watching Experts – Whale Watching Spot
“Whale Watching Spoken Here” is put on by Oregon State Parks every migratory season. During the peak week of migration, volunteers are here helping visitors sight whales off the headlands. See all the volunteer-staffed locations!
FAQs: Whale Watching Oregon Coast
While the entire Oregon coast has many whale watching destinations to choose from, there are a few key spots on the North Coast. This includes Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton, Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach, and the Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker off of Highway 101. Cape Lookout State Park also offers impressive viewpoints that can be great for catching a glimpse of the whales.
The best time for whale watching on the Oregon Coast is during the Gray whale migration. You can catch them heading south along the Oregon coast from mid-December to mid-January. The same whales can be seen returning along the Oregon coast in late March until June as they make their way north.
When preparing for whale watching on the Oregon Coast, it’s recommended to bring binoculars for a closer view, a camera with a good zoom lens, and layered clothing to stay warm in coastal weather. A guidebook or app to help identify whale species and behaviors can also enhance your experience.
If you are whale watching on the North Coast during the winter months, bring plenty of warm clothes and rain gear to keep you comfortable as you view whales passing by from the shores. Weather in the spring is generally more pleasant but unpredictable, so bring layers to account for sun, wind, and rain.
To improve your chances of spotting whales while whale watching on the Oregon Coast, visit during peak migration times, use binoculars or a spotting scope, and choose elevated viewing points with wide ocean vistas. Patience is key, as whales can surface unpredictably. Joining a guided tour can also increase your chances of successful sightings.