December 26, 2023 2:50 a.m.

Oregon State Parks will once again host Whale Watch Week from this Wednesday through Sunday.

An Oregon Parks and Recreation Department release said every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December and state parks invite visitors to the coast to see their journey.

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. The Whale Watch Week spots are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon coast.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=183

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, go to: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/