This Week on Oregon Coast: More on Black History, Humpbacks, Feeding Frenzy, New Rides, Buying Tuna

Published 08/19/22 at 5:28 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) – There is a lot going on along the Oregon coast, and the region seems to be picking up steam as summer draws to its close. At the top of the list: we may get to start seeing humpback whales soon. (Photo of Garibaldi copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

This is a preview of stories coming shortly to Oregon Coast Beach Connection, showing it's going to be a busy few days if not a whole week in the region. Among the interesting factoids coming to your device: a tour bus taking a gander at black history on the coast, nature going crazy at one of the area's rivers, fresh tuna is arriving in monster numbers along the Oregon coast (and you can get it fresh from the boat), and there are some new attractions for visitors, such as camel rides and rail rides.

Tons of baitfish have been making their runs at Seaside's Necanicum River recently. Look for some frenzied eating behaviors of large birds like pelicans there, while the presence of such fish may mean much bigger things in the coming days or weeks.

Baitfish in enormous numbers tend to be harbingers of much more spectacular sights – like humpback whales. That still remains to be seen, but this is the time of year they tend to show up in the first place, usually up on the north coast around Astoria and the mouth of the Columbia River. That tends to happen later, however, often in September.

Gray whale, courtesy OPRD

While plenty of gray whales are found cavorting around the central Oregon coast, near Depoe Bay, humpbacks tend to stick to the north coast more and provide some big thrills to the that area.

Not as many gray whales are seen farther north, though in some areas of the south coast they tend to be a little more prolific, like around Port Orford.

Humpback whale at Astoria, courtesy Seaside Aquarium

Even so, Tiffany Boothe of Seaside Aquarium watched a group of whales hanging out around Seaside a couple of weekends ago and they created a stir: “We were able to set up a spotting scope on a couple of gray whales feeding just past the breakers," she said. "They hung around the entire day. People really enjoyed seeing and learning about the Gray whale migration along the Oregon coast. For a lot of people it was the first time they had ever seen a whale.”

The coming article on this will look at the oddities these baitfish create, why it means you may see more glowing sand, and more details on the humbpacks. There's also some interesting events on the south coast going on, such as a big on-going market in Brookings.

Black history is simply not something we learn enough of around the U.S., and certainly here in Oregon. One bus tour will try to help with that on September 18, showing you black history highlights along parts of the north coast. Look for a full article on that.

Newport, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Tuna boats are now arriving at coastal docks in droves. Look for more on how to get fresh tuna right off the boat in a bigger article early next week.

Then, ever wondered why the inland is so hot and clear while the coast is foggy? At least in summer? There's an intriguing science behind it.

All this, some issues you may need to know about with oysters from outside of Oregon, and more are coming this week to Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

To catch these stories as they are published, see the Oregon / Washington Coast News page, follow Oregon Coast Beach Connection on Google News, or follow the OCBC Facebook page.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Charleston, courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts for more

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted