March 20, 2025 2;50 a.m.

Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for Spring Break, beginning on Saturday.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said trained volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 sites along the coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily from March 22nd through March 30th. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the coast.

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 also see 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 Watching – Oregon State Parks

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.

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