Oregon State Parks to Host Winter Whale Watch Week Along the Coast
Volunteers to assist visitors at 14 coastal sites during gray whale migration
OREGON COAST — Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from Saturday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 31, inviting visitors to witness the annual migration of gray whales as they travel south to calving lagoons in Mexico.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 14 designated viewing sites along the coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Volunteers will help visitors spot whales and share information about whale behavior, migration patterns, and coastal wildlife.
“These are some of the best locations along the Oregon Coast to watch for whales,” park officials said. A map of the volunteer-staffed sites is available on the official Winter Whale Watch Week 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.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a previously declared Unusual Mortality Event affecting gray whales ended in 2023 after signs of population recovery. However, NOAA now estimates the West Coast gray whale population has declined to approximately 13,000 whales, the lowest level recorded since the 1970s.
Image: Dolan Halbrook, Flickr
In addition to gray whales, Winter Whale Watch Week offers opportunities to observe other marine mammals and coastal bird species, 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. daily from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy panoramic ocean views, and use binoculars provided on site. Oregon State Parks rangers will be available to answer questions and share information about whale conservation and migration.
Visitors are encouraged to dress for winter weather conditions, bring binoculars, and follow beach safety guidelines. Officials remind the public to remain outside fenced areas, check tide schedules, and stay alert to surf conditions while on the coast.
More information about Winter Whale Watch Week, park locations, and safety tips is available through Oregon State Parks can be found here.
Visitors are also encouraged to share photos and videos from the event on social media using #ORWhaleWatch.
Cover image: Oregon State Parks
