Oregon Coast Winter Whale Watch Week May Give Glimpses of More Than Grays

Published 12/14/24 at 4:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – Just as winter kicks off the whales come rolling in. It's already gray whale season as the migration began this month, with pod after pod heading southward on their way past the Oregon coast to the birthing waters of Mexico. (Photo OSU)

Then, on December 27 – December 31, Oregon State Parks hosts Winter Whale Watch Week, with volunteers posted along 15 different sites along the Oregon coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., helping you spot the great cetaceans.

There's a couple of things new this year, including the fact there are less volunteer spots than have been in the past. It's gone from 22 to 15, with no place in Lincoln City and a few others taken out of the tour, such as Cannon Beach's Ecola State Park, Lewis and Clark on the Washington coast, Cape Kiwanda, Port Orford, and others.

The other aspect is rather hopeful however, according to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced there is no longer the Unusual Mortality Event that was thinning the population for almost the last decade. Experts were seeing more grays wash up than usual, and many had been rather sickly.

“Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA,” OPRD said. “The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.”

Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries, said that while there may be more grays out on the Oregon coastline, calves are still a bit rare and an important find.

“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

Winter Whale Watch Week allows an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife such as birds – and perhaps even other spectacular wildlife on the ocean. Trained volunteers and rangers will be there to help.

Whale in the Cove at Seaside / Seaside Aquarium

OPRD said the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December 27 through 31.

“Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views,” the agency said. “Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.”

Where to find these Winter Whale Watch sites?

You can see the full map here or below.

On the southern Oregon coast, there is Reedsport's Umpqua Lighthouse, Coos Bay's Shore Acres State Park, Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon and Brookings' Harris Beach State Park.

On the central coast, you'll find them at Heceta Head Lightouse near Florence and Yachats State Recreation Area. There's only one this time around at Newport: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. In the Depoe Bay area, there's Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, The Whale Watching Center, Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint and towering Cape Foulweather.

Killer whales, courtesy Josh McInnes, Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program

There's a somewhat new one on the north coast at Fort Stevens State Park (Peter Iredale Shipwreck), and there are the usual Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook by Manzanita and Oceanside's Cape Meares Lighthouse.

However, you may get treated to more than grays. Orcas sometimes come through chasing the gray whales. Other times, it's different prey that draw them like seals and sea lions.

Late November and early December saw some stunning killer whale sightings, such as this group of two adults and a juvenile around Depoe Bay. . They and some other killer whales were reported around Pacific City and the Newport area between November 27 and December 4.

Sometimes humpbacks are also seen by watchers.

Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather. Also make sure you bring binoculars as well as follow any beach safety guidelines, such as keeping out of fenced areas. Know the tide schedule, if you're on the beach, “and always keeping an eye on the surf,” OPRD said.

See https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

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