Winter Whale Watch Week is back from Saturday, December 27, through Wednesday, December 31. An estimated 25,000 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon's shores this winter as they migrate south from Alaska to the warm lagoons near Baja, Mexico. The end of December marks the peak of their journey, with roughly 30 whales passing by per hour.

Trained volunteers will be stationed daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 14 of the Coast's best whale-watching sites, including Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon and Battle Rock Wayside in Port Orford. They will be available to help visitors spot whales and answer questions.

Most viewing sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find all 14 locations on the online map at oregonstateparks.gov.