The Oregon Coast's Top Wildlife Watching Spots
Published: 07/07/2015 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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Lodging
Situated oceanfront, enjoy stepping onto your deck, feeling the sea mist & gazing at Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach Shopping
A full-service shop with a large selection of boards, wetsuits and cutting-edge gear.
Published: 07/07/2015 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.
Newport's Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is still a guiding light. On a wooden bluff overlooking the mouth of Newport bay sits the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse... [read more]
Sitting high on a hill above Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Column offers expansive views of the Columbia River and a look at regional history... [read more]
Spring is a great time to head to Cannon Beach to spot puffins, eagles, murres and more. Here's where to find them. Highlighted by... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Cannon Beach Lodging
A family resort just steps from Haystack Rock, pet-friendly, indoor pool and event facilities.
Lincoln City Dining
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a seasonal Sunday Brunch with spectacular ocean views.
Cannon Beach Dining
By the pie or by the slice, a truly gourmet meal crafted with the finest ingredients.