The Oregon Coast's Top Wildlife Watching Spots
Published: 07/06/2015 Updated: 08/16/2019

Sea Lions at Sea Lion Caves near Florence, Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Year-round, you'll find all manner of wildlife watching on the Oregon Coast and we've gathered a variety of locations that make wild encounters easy.
Along 363 miles of an unforgettable coastline, you'll find puffins nesting and eagles resting. Elk quietly graze in places near Reedsport and Cannon Beach, as if nearby human observers don't even exist. Huge whales swim offshore, making their way along the Oregon Coast and headlining the wildlife show in and around towns like Depoe Bay, Florence and Bandon. Birds by the thousands both live in and migrate through coastal areas like the ones around Astoria, where they take advantage of the lush wetlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. With animals aplenty, visitors often wonder where the best places are to get that heart-stopping bird photo or come face to face with frolicking sea lions. Here are our top choices for great natural areas in which you can get up close and occasionally personal with the very best wildlife of Oregon.
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Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Lodging
Oceanfront resort offering rooms with spectacular views, balconies, fireplaces and kitchenettes.
Lodging
A family of four small classic inns, each with their own charm and distinctive accommodations.
Published: 07/06/2015 Updated: 08/16/2019

Sea Lions at Sea Lion Caves near Florence, Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Year-round, you'll find all manner of wildlife watching on the Oregon Coast and we've gathered a variety of locations that make wild encounters easy.
Along 363 miles of an unforgettable coastline, you'll find puffins nesting and eagles resting. Elk quietly graze in places near Reedsport and Cannon Beach, as if nearby human observers don't even exist. Huge whales swim offshore, making their way along the Oregon Coast and headlining the wildlife show in and around towns like Depoe Bay, Florence and Bandon. Birds by the thousands both live in and migrate through coastal areas like the ones around Astoria, where they take advantage of the lush wetlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. With animals aplenty, visitors often wonder where the best places are to get that heart-stopping bird photo or come face to face with frolicking sea lions. Here are our top choices for great natural areas in which you can get up close and occasionally personal with the very best wildlife of Oregon.
Six day trips from Seaside offer a collection of diverse Oregon Coast experiences including Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock; Astoria and the Columbia... [read more]
Follow the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery for a well-rounded glimpse into their mission, triumphs and challenges. Six separate sites—two... [read more]
Relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Cannon Beach where oceanfront resorts offer luxurious retreats, romantic getaways or family fun. Vacation rental homes, boutique... [read more]
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Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Cannon Beach Lodging
A boutique luxury hotel with a full range of spa services, specialty experiences and fine dining.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Located in the jail from The Goonies, explore the production of more than 300 movies made in Oregon.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.