The Oregon Coast offers opportunities to witness various whale species in their natural habitat. While sightings are not guaranteed, understanding their patterns and behaviors can enhance the experience. This guide explores the types of whales found along Oregon’s shores and offers insights into responsible viewing.
The Majestic Gray Whale
Gray whales are the most frequently sighted whale species along the Oregon Coast. Each year, approximately 20,000 to 25,000 gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling between their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico, and their feeding grounds in the Arctic. This journey brings them past Oregon’s coastline twice annually.
The southbound migration occurs from mid-December through mid-January, as whales head to warmer waters. Their northbound journey, returning to the Arctic, spans from late March through May and into June. Beyond these migratory populations, about 200 “resident” gray whales, part of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, remain in Oregon’s coastal waters from June to mid-November, primarily around Depoe Bay.
These resident whales are known to feed close to shore, often in shallow waters between 10 to 60 feet deep, consuming mysid shrimp found near kelp beds. They employ specialized feeding tactics, including headstands, side swims, and using “bubble blasts” to manage buoyancy while foraging. Gray whales can be identified by their mottled gray skin, lack of a dorsal fin (instead having a series of knuckles), and the presence of barnacles and whale lice. Their spouts can reach up to 15 feet high.
Other Whale Species of the Oregon Coast
While gray whales are the most common, other whale species also frequent Oregon’s waters. Humpback whales are the second most commonly observed species, often sighted in August and September. They are recognized by their long pectoral fins, knobby heads, and stocky bodies, growing up to 60 feet. Humpbacks are known for their acrobatic displays, such as breaching and slapping their fins on the water’s surface. These whales typically remain offshore, usually between 5 to 15 miles from the coast.
Orcas, or killer whales, are also seen along the Oregon Coast, with peak viewing season from April through June. They are often sighted off Depoe Bay and Newport. Transient orcas frequently hunt along the coastline during this period, preying on gray whale calves, seals, and sea lions. Male orcas have tall dorsal fins that can reach up to six feet in height.
Minke whales, one of the smallest baleen whales at about 35 feet in length, are present year-round in the inland waters of Oregon. They have a sleek, dark black or gray body with a white underside and produce a small, bushy blow that is about six to 10 feet high.
Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, reaching up to 100 feet long, are occasionally spotted off Oregon, though typically at least 10 miles offshore. Their spouts can rise impressively to 30 feet.
Optimal Times and Locations for Whale Watching
Whale watching along the Oregon Coast is possible throughout the year, with peak opportunities aligning with the gray whale migrations. The winter migration, when whales travel south, offers good viewing from mid-December to mid-January. The spring migration, as whales head north, provides extensive viewing opportunities from late March through May. Additionally, the resident gray whale population allows for consistent sightings from June to mid-November, particularly during the summer and fall months.
The central Oregon Coast, especially Depoe Bay, is considered a prime location for whale watching, often referred to as the “Whale Watching Capital.” Depoe Bay is home to a Whale Watching Center, providing a dedicated viewing spot with staff and binoculars available to visitors.
Other notable viewing locations include Neahkahnie Mountain Viewpoint, Cape Meares, Ecola State Park, Cape Kiwanda, Boiler Bay, Cape Lookout, and Cape Perpetua. For optimal viewing, selecting a calm morning and seeking out a high vantage point can improve chances of spotting whale spouts. Binoculars are recommended for a closer look at these distant marine mammals.
Ethical Whale Watching Practices
Observing whales requires a commitment to responsible practices to ensure the well-being of the animals.
When viewing from a boat, it is important to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from whales. If a calf is present, this distance should be extended to 150 yards to give mother and young ample space. Boaters should avoid approaching whales quickly or leaving abruptly, and noise levels should be kept to a minimum, refraining from banging on the sides of vessels.
It is important to let the whales dictate their movements and avoid attempting to surround, corral, or pin them against the shore. Time spent observing an individual whale should be limited to 30 minutes to minimize disturbance. Under no circumstances should you attempt to feed or swim with whales.
For those using drones, a minimum distance of 300 yards, both vertically and horizontally, must be maintained. Viewing whales from shore is considered the least invasive method and is encouraged. Organizations like Oregon State Parks, through their Whale Watching Spoken Here program, provide volunteers at various sites to help educate the public on these important guidelines.