Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from Dec. 27-31, Oregon Parks and Recreation announced.
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December to calving lagoons off Mexico.
Trained volunteers will be stationed to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions. Fourteen sites will have volunteers from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” Park Ranger Peter McBride said.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that the estimated population of gray whales has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Officials point out that Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.
Visitors to the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Safety tips can be reviewed online.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.