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Northbound Whales Already Spotted on Oregon Coast as Whale Week Approaches |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
03/14/08
Secrets of the Season |
Northbound Whales Already Spotted on Oregon Coast as Whale Week Approaches
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| Whale photo courtesy Whale Watch Center |
(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – March 22 through 29 brings the big whale watch week for the Oregon coast, as thousands of whales begin making their way north on a massive exodus from the waters off Mexico. Many have given birth down south, so there could be plenty of baby whales to gawk at, conditions willing.
Hosted by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, the spring Whale Watch Week coincides with spring break and features volunteers perched at dozens of high spots along the Oregon coast, helping tourists and science buffs spot the gargantuan creatures on their journey northward.
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| Morris Grover, head of the Whale Watch Center, searches for whales in Newport at the spring 2007 whale watch week |
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In Newport, the week will also features some special events at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, as well as a bevy of chances to get up close and personal with them via the wide array of charter boat and whale watch tours available in that town as well as in Depoe Bay.
Trained volunteers at 28 "Whale Watching Spoken Here" sites help visitors spot gray whales. The volunteers are on duty 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to help visitors see the marine animals and offer information about their migration.
The state’s program takes place at the northbound migration of gray whales. Marine mammologists estimate that 18,000 whales pass by between March and June, as they head north to the Arctic and Alaska’s Bering Sea. According to Whale Watch Spoken Here officials, juveniles pass by first, followed by single adults. Last are the mothers and babies. Some of the whales come close to shore to feed on Oregon's great food supply.
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| Whale watch lookout above Manzanita |
The Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay has reported already seeing a few northbound grays, as of February 26.
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Also spotted in the last month were seven Orca whales – which often hit the central Oregon coast in sizable numbers in late May to feed on the newborns of the gray whales.
Volunteers are in places all over the coast, from Brookings up to southern Washington.
On the south central coast you’ll find them at Cape Perpetua Overlook (near Yachats); Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center (near Yachats); Cook's Chasm Turnout (near Yachats); Sea Lion Caves Turnout (north of Florence); large Highway 101 turnout south of tunnel (north of Florence). 541-765-3407. www.whalespoken.org.
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| One of the turnouts near Florence where volunteers will be situated. Heceta Head Lighthouse is in the background |
On the central coast, you’ll find them at the Inn at Spanish Head Lobby on 10th floor (Lincoln City); Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint (just north of Depoe Bay); The Whale Watching Center/Depoe Bay Sea Wall; Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint (between Newport and Depoe Bay); Cape Foulweather (just north of Newport); Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area (just north of Newport); Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport); Don A. Davis City Kiosk (Newport’s Nye Beach); and Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site (Newport).
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
In Tillamook County you’ll find them at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint; Cape Lookout State Park (2.5 mile hike to site at tip of the Cape); Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City).
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| Orcas have already been seen this year (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium) |
In the Manzanita area, you’ll find them at Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker Turnout on Highway 101.
On the north Oregon coast, you’ll find them at Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, Washington; Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach). 541-765-3407. www.whalespoken.org.
During
Whale Watch Week, the Hatfield will feature mammal classes, films, whale
tales and various displays. This happens March 22 – 29. Hatfield
Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Dr., Newport, Oregon. 10 a.m.
Admission by suggested donation. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu.
The central Oregon coast town of Newport is the ticket to some of the best seats in the house for that week. Newport has three official whale watching sites, a few others close by, a plethora of whale watch vantage points and cruises, and two aquarium centers with loads of whale information.
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| Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay |
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Visitors can make Newport their base of operations with ready access to three Whale Watching Spoken Here sites: Don Davis State Park, in the historic Nye Beach neighborhood, Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The latter two each have their own lighthouse, while the Yaquina Head area has tide pools and an interpretive center. Four other official sites are a short drive away: the state’s Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, the Depoe Bay Sea Wall, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Foulweather and the Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area. All are just a few miles to the north.
Visitors
can learn even more with a healthy dose of fun by heading to Newport’s
Hatfield Marine Science Center, which offers storytelling, interpretive
programs and other events during the Whale Watch Weeks. While they’re
there, they can meet the resident giant pacific octopus, Reuben, learn
at the touch pool, shop the marine-centric bookstore or take a walk on
the estuary trail (hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor).
For most people, however, seeing a spout from a distance only whets their
appetite for more. Visitors can see a whale up close by simply purchasing
a spot on the deck of a charter boat. They come in all shapes and sizes
in Newport, which is home to the largest charter and fishing fleet on
the Oregon coast. Weather permitting, these seasoned captains can get
visitors closer to nature than they’ve ever been before —
and nothing compares to the shine on a whale’s fluke, massive and
jaw-dropping, 100 feet away.
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 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
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Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
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