Whale Watching

Twice a year thousands of whales pass by the Oregon Coast. Some cruise on by without stopping, while others “pullover” to rest and feed on the copious amounts of zooplankton and small fish inhabiting our coastline.

Gray and humpback whales are among Oregon’s most common visitors. In the spring, both species migrate north, to the Arctic, where they refuel on fatty-rich krill and fish. In the fall, they return to the warmer more protected waters around Mexico and Hawaii to breed and give birth.

So, when and where are the best times to view whales along the northern Oregon Coast?

The fall migration can be tricky; the whales tend to stay further offshore. Storms and heavy seas make it difficult to see them. During their spring migration, new moms and calves stay closer to shore to avoid predatory orcas. Neahkahnie Mountain, Ecola State Park, and the Cove in Seaside are all great places to watch for whales.

When local conditions produce an abundant amount of food, whales may stick around for a few hours to a few weeks feeding.