Whale watching is an activity that is enjoyed year-round in Oregon, with the winter and the spring months being the best times to see a gray whale. Spot a splash or a spout at these top places for whale watching in Oregon.
North
Ecola State Park is a great place to start in Northern Oregon with its many hiking trails and elevated vantage points, excellent for spotting whales. Head to Pacific City and visit Cape Kiwanda, a popular spot for whale watching in Oregon. Take in beautiful views of Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, and Cape Lookout when you hike to the top. Other notable places include Tillamook County include Neahkahnie Mountain, Cape Meares, and Cape Lookout State Park.
Central Coast
Home to sightings of the “resident” whales that hang around until late fall along the Central Coast, Depoe Bay, Newport, and Lincoln City all are great places to spot whales year-round.
Depoe Bay
Known as the whale watching capital of Oregon, Depoe Bay is the best place for whale watching in Oregon. Visit the Whale Watching Center, located in the heart of town for viewing opportunities and educational information about the whales that migrate along the Oregon Coast every year. Or simply observe the whales from the sea wall in town.
Tips for whale watching in Depoe Bay.
But one of the best places for viewing the whales is from your private balcony or from inside your room at the Channel House. Our boutique ocean-front hotel is perched high along the coastline, providing front row seats to your whale watching adventures. Crack open a bottle of bubbly and rest in your outdoor soaking tub, and grab the binoculars provided to you for some of the best whale watching on the Oregon Coast. Plus, you are just a few steps away from town and the Whale Watching Center when you stay at the Channel House.
See how you can spend the perfect weekend in Depoe Bay.
Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area
For some of the best views in Oregon, visit Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area. Towering 800 feet over the Marine Garden shoreline, the scenic area is the highest viewpoint accessible by car. Because of its vantage point, on a clear day, you can see up to 35 miles out to sea, perfect for spotting a whale!
South
A little further down south, the less crowded options for whale watching along Oregon’s Coast are a great choice as well. Soak up vista views and breaching whales from Cape Blanco Shore Trail, or take a seat at the benches at the Cape Ferrelo Lookout for beautiful scenery and a chance to spot a whale.
Stay at Channel House
After exploring God’s Thumb Oregon, relax with a stay at the Channel House. Our cozy boutique hotel rests on the rugged coast, offering spectacular ocean views and front-row seats for whale watching. Your room is equipped with binoculars, perfect for a better watch during the whale migratory season! Choose from 15 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each offering stunning views of the Oregon Coast, with most accommodations offering private decks with an outdoor spa tub. Rest and relax after your adventures exploring this beautiful state with a stay at Channel House. Book your stay with us today!
