Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from March 22-30, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced.
Trained volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 sites to help visitors spot whales and their calves, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily at each location.
“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow,” Park Ranger Peter McBride said through a press release.
During the same time period, the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors to the center 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 the whales.
An estimated 19,260 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.
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.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage.
Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring binoculars and 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. A list of beach safety tips can be found online.
Visitors are encouraged to share photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.