Oregon’s Whale Watch Week Showcases Growing Gray Whale Populations and Coastal Sights This Spring Break

Oregon’s Whale Watch Week, which runs from next Saturday, March 22, promises to be a sublime Spring Break, even for the whales who come out to play in the Pacific Ocean.

Since 2023’s Unusual Mortality Event, gray whale populations have been steadily increasing, and Whale Watch Week offers the chance to see them with their calves as well as the abundant birdlife and other species on the Whale Watch trails.

Oregon’s Spring Whale Watch Week: When, Where, and How

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages parks on the Oregon Coast, which offer some of the best places to watch for whales. Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and rangers will be available at 14 sites along the coast.

The volunteers are ready to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions.

As part of their annual migration back to Alaska, around 19,260 gray whales will swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June.  Park Ranger Peter McBride confirmed they swim closer to shore in spring and may have calves in tow.

Since the Unusual Mortality Event that decimated gray whale populations in 2023, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 in 2023 to 19,260 last year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

While the numbers are rising overall, the calf count remains low as the population rebuilds.

Gray whales and other coastal wildlife, including birds and many marine mammals, can be spotted during Whale Watch Week with help from trained volunteers and rangers. Whale Watch Week details are:

• Dates: March 22-30 2025
• Times: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily (Except Depoe Bay)
• The  Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sites: All OPRD sites except Cape Foulweather, which is closed due to construction.
• Maps: This link shows a map of volunteer-staffed sites on the official event webpage.
• Tools available for panoramic views at state parks include interactive whale exhibits, and binoculars are provided. Oregon State Parks rangers will be on site to answer questions about the whales.
• More information about coast parks and campgrounds is available on the state parks website.

Tips for Whale Watch Week visitors:

• Dress for the weather
• Bring binoculars
• Follow beach safety guidelines and steer clear of fenced areas
• Understand the tide schedule and keep an eye on the surf at all times
• A list of safety tips is available here

During or after your Spring Whale Watch Week visit, share your photos and videos on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.