Oregon's coastline is set to host the annual spring migration of gray whales, offering prime viewing opportunities. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's Spring Whale Watch Week will take place from March 22-30. Trained volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 locations along the coast, from Fort Stevens to Harris Beach, to assist visitors in spotting the whales.
These gray whales are migrating from their breeding grounds in Mexico to their feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska. An estimated 19,260 whales are expected to pass Oregon's shores this spring, a notable increase from the 14,500 expected last year.
This rebound follows an "unusual mortality event" between 2018 and 2023, which saw a higher number of gray whale strandings. Spring offers favorable viewing conditions with better weather and longer daylight hours. Observers can look for the whale's spout (a vertical spray of mist) or its fluke (tail) as it dives. Breaching, though less common for gray whales, is another exciting possibility.