Winter Whale Watch Week is Dec. 27-31 along the Oregon coast.
Courtesy of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
This time of year, thousands of gray whales migrate south from Alaska to the warmer waters off Baja, Mexico, to calve.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department hosts Winter Whale Watch week Dec. 27-31 at 15 sites along the coast.
Stefanie Knowlton, with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, said the whales are generally pretty far from shore, so volunteers can help.
“Because if you haven’t spotted a whale, it can be a little difficult the first time, and it’s always nice to go with someone that knows what to look for,” Knowlton said. “Of course, it’s that characteristic spout of water that you can see off in the distance.”
Related: How the gray whale population busts and booms, clean snow means more snowpack, and more
Last year, an estimated 14,500 gray whales were counted off the Oregon coast.
Knowlton encourages whale watchers to dress for the weather, which can be cold, windy and wet. Bring binoculars if you have them. Also, follow beach safety guidelines and keep an eye on the surf .
Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Related: Only 51 of these U.S. whales remain. Little has been done to prevent their extinction
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
