Winter Whale Watch Week is back in person, December 28 - January 1! So throw on some layers, grab your trusty pair of binoculars, and head to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.

An estimated 25,000 Gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores this winter. The whales’ journey south is one leg of their annual migration pattern. They begin near Alaska and swim all the way down the western U.S. coast before settling in the warm lagoons near Baja, Mexico. The end of December is the peak time for their journey; roughly 30 whales pass by per hour.

Trained volunteers from the Whale Watching Spoken Here program will be stationed each day at  17 of best whale watching sites on the coast, including Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and Battle Rock Wayside.  These smart volunteers are ready to help visitors spot whales and answer questions about the animals.

Most viewing sites are open to visitors 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Check the online map at oregonstateparks.org to find all 17 locations.