Oregon Coast Wildlife Viewing

The Oregon Coast has an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Here is a list of a few of the more popular options.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is available year round. In the summer and early fall the resident whales can be really close to shore. December through mid January the gray whales migrate south to the warmer waters of Mexico. Come spring they head north again back toward the Bering Sea. The resident gray whales remain in Oregon so you always have an opportunity to see them. Watch for spouts and try to view from a safe vantage point above sea level so you can see further out. Remember to use caution and obey all safety signs. Stay off the sea walls, cliffs and jetties. Don't go past any fenced off areas, or on to private property! Depoe Bay is one of the best places on the Oregon coast to whale watch. You can often spot the whales from the safety of your parked car right in Depoe Bay on the ocean side of Highway 101.

Bird Watching

Bird Watching on the Oregon coast is great all year long. There are many wooded nature hikes, as well as the estuaries that offer amazing opportunities to see local and or migrating birds. A few of our favorites are the Bald Eagle, Harrier Hawk. Red Tail Hawk, King Fishers, Bufflehead Ducks, The Great Blue Herrin, to name a few. Another option is to book a guided kayak tour with one of the local tour guides. The local guides know the area and can often lead guests to amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.

River Otters

River Otters can be found in most of the coastal rivers and estuaries. They are a bit harder to find than sea lions, and harbor seals, but that makes it a great find when you come across them.

Harbor Seals

Harbor Seals are found in most of the estuaries and bays along the Oregon Coast, as well as in the ocean and sometimes right in the surf zone. They can easily be found on the central coast in Lincoln City often beached at the south side of the Siletz Bay River mouth. They can also be found in most of the river-mouths and bays all along the Oregon coast.