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
A family resort just steps from Haystack Rock, pet-friendly, indoor pool and event facilities.
Lodging
Oceanfront suites and cottages with Haystack Rock views, landscaped grounds and full kitchens.
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]
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]
Oregon's oldest lighthouse still shines atop Oregon's westernmost headland on the South Oregon Coast. The Cape Blanco Lighthouse sits on ocean's edge near Port... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Cannon Beach Lodging
Situated oceanfront, enjoy stepping onto your deck, feeling the sea mist & gazing at Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach Art Galleries
Original watercolor and oil paintings of the beautiful Oregon Coast by local artist Jeffrey Hull.
Cannon Beach Shopping
Olive oils and aged Balsamic vinegars infused with the taste of Northwest fruits and berries.