Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast from March 23-31, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales and their calves, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at each location except Depoe Bay, which will have the hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Every year thousands of gray whales pass through Oregon’s waters in the spring on their journey home from the calving lagoons in Mexico.
Officials said this year’s spring event is three days longer than last year and might include better odds of seeing gray whales in light of a recent announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The NOAA reported a significant die-off of the gray whale population that had affected the marine mammals since 2019.
“The latest counts indicate that the gray whale population has likely turned the corner and is beginning to recover,” Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries, said in a news release. “It’s a perfect time for people to see them as they swim north with new calves to feed.”
Researchers counted about 412 calves last year, which was almost double the number from the previous year.
An estimated 14,500 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.
“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 the weather can be better for viewing. But don’t forget your rain gear just in case,” Park Ranger Peter McBride said.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 23-31. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will be on hand to answer questions.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the Oregon State Parks’ 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 safety tips is available online.