Where and when is best for spotting whales on the Oregon Coast?
• Although cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) do not live in tidepool areas, they are often visible from the same Oregon State Parks you may visit to go tidepooling. The most commonly spotted species is the grey whale, Eschrichtius robustus. However, visitors will occasionally spot humpbacks, orcas, and harbor porpoises. • The best time of year to spot cetaceans varies from species to species. Grey whales are best spotted in the spring (March/April) or winter (November/December). Humpbacks are best viewed in the summer and fall (July-October). Orcas may occasionally be spotted from April-August and although not common, you may see harbor porpoises throughout the year. • Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has three weeks that are dedicated whale watching weeks. Please visit the following website for more whale-watching information, including what sites to visit for best viewing opportunities: http://whalespoken.org/. Some of the more popular sites include Depoe Bay,
