From Whales, Bioluminescent Waves to Low Tides, Oregon Coast is Cookin' This Summer

Published 07/01/25 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – From resident gray whales to bioluminescent waves, the Oregon coast is offering an exceptional season for wildlife watchers. Several factors are converging to create some great viewing opportunities, including really low minus tides. (File photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium)

Some of the sightings come from all over social media, while the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offers their own advice on how to get more out of your beach trip.

“Enjoy the great diversity of life: from giant whales and barking sea lions to majestic bald eagles and diving pelicans,” ODFW said in a recent statement. “Maximize your viewing of coastal creatures by bringing binoculars for close-up views.”

Among the highlights this summer are all kinds of whales, often grays. Roughly 200 of these whales are considered year-round residents along Oregon’s coastline, and there are often more in the Depoe Bay area than anywhere.

A glowing phytoplankton under a microscope - courtesy Dr. Edith Widder

In addition to gray whales, the Depoe Bay area has seen a flurry of blue and humpback whales this past week, with some spectacular footage caught on video. [See the video] While orca sightings have dissipated, whale activity overall is robust.

High vantage points or boat tours are your best bet for spotting them.

Top viewing locations include Simpson Reef and Cape Arago on the southern coast, which also offer a chance to see California sea lions, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and the occasional elephant seal. Other recommended whale watching spots in Coos County are Bastendorff Park lookout near Charleston and Umpqua Lighthouse near Winchester Bay.

Charleston photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

ODFW recommends watching for 6- to 12-foot high spouts as whales surface, often surfacing three to five times before diving deep - a moment when tail flukes can be visible. Calm, windless days offer the best visibility, helping distinguish whale spouts from ocean whitecaps.

Meanwhile, glowing waves and sand are creating a visual spectacle in some coastal areas. Bioluminescent phytoplankton were recently photographed in Manzanita, and summer often provides ideal conditions for the phenomenon. Explosions of Light in Oregon Coast Sand Puddles: Aspect of Glowing Sand You Should Be Looking For Now - Pools of water may be spectacular if this phenomena is around

For those more interested in tidepool life, some of the lower tides of the year are still occurring. These minus tides create a prime window to observe marine life such as sea anemones, crabs, and other intertidal species.

Sea lion wandering Astoria - courtesy Seaside Aquarium

Harbor seals and sea lions continue to be among the most accessible marine mammals to observe. They are frequently seen lounging on sandbars, tideflats, and piers throughout the coast. Notable observation points include the South Jetty of the Columbia River, Netarts Bay, Siletz River mouth at Lincoln City, Newport's Yaquina Bay, Alsea Bay, Rouge Reef, and Shell Island at Cape Arago State Park.

For tidepool discoveries, keep an eye out for minus tides and see the Oregon Coast Weather page for links that take you to tide tables for each area.

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