Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay
By Erin Bernard
Published: 06/10/2014  Updated: 08/16/2019
Depoe Bay is known as the Whale Watching capital of the Oregon coast, its waters frequented by Gray Whales that linger there much of the year.
Depoe Bay is known as the Whale Watching capital of the Oregon coast, its waters frequented by Gray Whales that linger there much of the year.  Photo by Gary Hayes

Visit the Oregon coast's dedicated whale-watching center in Depoe Bay, operated by Oregon State Parks, and see what all the excitement is about.

Located on a perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Depoe Bay, the Oregon coast's Whale Watching Center is a great spot for sating your curiosity about these colossal creatures of the deep. A day of learning and observing is in store at the center, with knowledgeable park rangers on hand to assist and educate observers. Pepper them with questions and keep your eyes peeled for the telltale blow: with any luck, you'll catch sight of a pod of gray whales, common in these parts.

Whale watching is best during spring and winter migrations when nearly 20,000 Gray Whales pass along the coastline, but Depoe Bay is one of the most reliable locations to spot the whales nearly any time of year. A number of whales linger along this stretch of the Central Oregon Coast rather than making the full spring migration north to Alaska and the Bering Sea.

The center's operating hours change seasonally so check in with Oregon State Parks before planning your trip. The Whale Watching Center is located in Depoe Bay, Oregon, about 10 miles south of Lincoln City and 11 miles north of Newport.
Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay