Spring whale watching begins in March

(MARCH 18, 2022) The spring whale migration in Oregon begins in March. Every year, some 25,000 gray whales pass by Oregon shores from late March to June on their way to cool Alaskan waters. Many will be accompanied by calves that were born during the winter in the warm lagoons off the coast of Baja, Mexico.

The best whale watching sites are open at Oregon's coastal parks. Designated whale watching sites offer the best chances of spotting whales because of their locations, usually slightly elevated above the ocean and in areas where whales are more easily seen.

In the past, volunteers have been available to answer questions, and visitors could learn more at the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay. These services are still closed, but the state plans to re-open them in the spring. Meanwhile, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the popular whale watching livestream on the Oregon State Parks YouTube channel. The livestreams are scheduled daily March 21-25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.