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Discover Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay has more to offer than meets the eye.
The world's smallest natural harbor.
Traveling along coastal Highway 101, it's easy to pass through Depoe Bay with just a cursory glance at the ocean, but do yourself a favor and stop to discover the wonders of this small town. At first glance, the seawall and ocean are the main attractions of Depoe Bay. At high tide you can experience the spouting horns where seawater is forced through natural tubes in the rocks, shooting high into the air and sometimes drenching the unwary. This area is known for its resident Gray Whales that feed in the food-rich kelp beds offshore. Just south of the bridge is the Oregon State Park's Whale Watching Center staffed year-round by volunteers with information about Depoe Bay's largest and most popular residents. As you cross the bridge, look down on the east side to see the world's smallest natural harbor, a whopping 350 feet wide, 750 feet long and only eight feet deep at mean low tide. There are approximately 100 vessels moored here year-round, and another 150 visiting boats during the summer, making navigation within the harbor pretty exciting. There is even more excitement for skippers navigating the narrow basalt channel to the sea. At 300 feet long and only 50 feet wide, it can be a challenge in rough water. This harbor is also unique in that there is no turbulent bar to cross to get to the ocean's fishing grounds.
- Published in: Coast Explorer Spring 2010
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