Oregon — Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31, offering visitors a chance to observe gray whales during their annual southward migration.
Trained Oregon State Parks volunteers will be stationed at 14 designated sites along the coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily to help visitors spot whales as they travel toward calving lagoons in Mexico. The sites are among the best vantage points for whale watching along the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed locations is available on the official event webpage.
“This is a great time to see one of the world’s longest migrations, as the gray whales are traveling by our coastline,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The event comes amid renewed concern for gray whale populations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared an end to an Unusual Mortality Event in 2023 as the population showed signs of rebounding. Since then, however, numbers have declined to their lowest level since the 1970s, with NOAA estimating approximately 13,000 gray whales along the West Coast.
In addition to gray whales, Winter Whale Watch Week provides opportunities to observe other coastal wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals, with guidance from trained volunteers and park rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27–31, featuring interactive exhibits, panoramic ocean views, and complimentary binoculars. Park rangers will be available to answer questions about whales and coastal ecology.
Visitors are encouraged to dress for winter weather, bring binoculars, and follow beach safety guidelines, including staying out of fenced areas, checking tide schedules, and keeping a close eye on surf conditions. Beach safety information is available through the Oregon Coast Visitor Association.
For more information about Oregon coast parks and campgrounds, visit the Oregon State Parks website. Visitors are also encouraged to share photos and videos from the event on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.
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