Whale Watch Week gives visitors chance to see gray whales in the wild

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re not talking about the holidays; we’re talking about Whale Watch Week.

From Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at different locations on the Oregon Coast to help whale lovers see the marine animals in their natural habitat.

There will be 15 sites open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to “spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico,” according to state parks officials.

The locations can be found through the Oregon State Parks website.

One location is the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, which includes interactive whale exhibits and panoramic ocean views.

This year’s Whale Week comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that an “Unusual Mortality Event” impacting gray whales ended, noting that the population’s size has grown roughly 30% from 14,530 gray whales in 2023 to 19,260 in 2024.

“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” Oregon State Park ranger Peter McBride said.

However, NOAA still said that the gray whale’s calf count remains low despite this rebound.

“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” NOAA Fisheries spokesperson Michael Milstein said.

While on the coast, it is possible to see more than just gray whales. Some visitors will also enjoy the sight of other marine animals and birds. Those who visit the coast are encouraged to post their photos to social media with the hashtags #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.