Stand On The Oregon Shore And Watch The Majestic Gray Whale Migration

Oregon is blessed to have miles and miles of stunning coastline—and watching the gorgeous Pacific Ocean is a big part of what makes going to the beach such a delight. The crashing waves, moving water, and the light sparkling against the blue-green surface are big parts of the appeal. Another wonder is seeing some of the creatures that live near and beneath the surface. Beachcombing and viewing tidepools are wonderful ways to pass an afternoon. But even more spectacular is seeing some of the larger animals that inhabit these waters. This is why whale watching is so fun!

While you can't exactly get the closest look, particularly from shore, catching a glimpse of a whale at sea is truly magical. The times I've spotted whales from a beach have always stuck with me. I've seen tails and a sliver of the body. A few times the whole whale has emerged above the surface, offering an enticing window into the lives of these majestic creatures.

Lucky for us, Oregon is a great place for whale watching as gray whales regularly swim past our shores!

Want to get in on the fun of the annual gray whale migration? Join Oregon Whale Watch's educational whale-watching events along the Oregon Coast.

Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy looking for gray whales to make an appearance.

Keep your eyes peeled as a tail might splash in and out of the water quickly. You might even see a whale or two might put on a longer show.

Expert guides and volunteers will help you to know what to look for and answer any questions you have about migrating gray whales and how to spot them.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has been putting on Oregon Whale Watch for over 40 years.

There are December and March whale watch dates each year when guides will be available to help visitors watch the whales.

There are many great spots along the Oregon coast to see the whales—and the Depot Bay Whale Watching Center makes for a great place to start.

With over 18,000 gray whales in the Northern Pacific Ocean and around 30 an hour passing by during the southern migration, you're very likely to spot some whales on the move!

For more information about watching the gray whale migration, check out the Oregon Whale Watch website. If your visit to the Oregon coast includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks and/or bring a lunch to enjoy at the beach.

We'd love to know how you enjoyed whale watching, so please leave a comment to let us know about your experience. Also, feel free to share your favorite things to do on the Oregon Coast.