Updates on Two Major Oregon Coast Projects: Whale Watching Center Closure and Hug Point

Published 07/28/26 at 7:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – Two of Oregon's shining tourism gems are the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay and Hug Point near Cannon Beach. However, Hug Point has been shut down for awhile because of storm damage and the center is about to go under the knife, having to close soon.

The agency overseeing both provided some updates on those projects this week.

Oregon's Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will shut down for roof repairs soon, closing both the building and the viewing area immediately around it.

Yet State parks officials say whale watchers will still find plenty of vantage points along the coast from Astoria to Brookings.

Park Manager Burke Martin said funding for the long-needed project only recently came through. “We appreciate the community's patience and support as we work to protect and preserve this unique coastal facility,” he said.

The center occupies a 1956 postwar building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It briefly operated as an Oregon Coast Aquarium retail space around 2000.

Construction could begin as early as Aug. 1, depending on contractor scheduling. Summer weather is expected to give crews a better chance at completing the roof work without delays.

Crews will replace the original roofing membrane, fix leaks from the promenade deck and install new drains.

The center will stay open until construction officially starts, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) expects the project to wrap up by late October - ahead of the winter gray whale migration.

Officials acknowledged the closure may inconvenience visitors and Depoe Bay residents but said the repairs are essential.

A turnout about a block north of the center will remain open, and nearby parks - including Boiler Bay, Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather - continue to offer reliable whale-watching viewpoints.

OPRD also provided a brief update on Hug Point, which remains closed for reconstruction since late last year after rainstorms caused enormous damage to the landscape. In essence, there is just a little to update and there is no clear timeline yet when it will reopen.

OPRD spokesperson Lauren Wirtis said there was lots of work done and some major progress just this week.

“Hug Point parking lot is being paved today,” she told Oregon Coast Beach Conneciton. “This is part of the long-term repair needed to address high volumes of water draining from the parking lot down the beach access trail to the stairs.” See Cannon Beach's Hug Point Erosion: N. Oregon Coast Fave Shut Down For Now

Adding more drainage was to be necessary – the agency knew that early on. Wirtis said they have already added more drainage structures, and the overlay was also used to change the slopes slightly going down to the beach. That, she said, should shift the route water takes going down and move it away from the access stairway so impact on it will be less during major rain events.

Those stairs have not yet been rebuilt. Hug Point Geolgic Oddities - Take the Walking Tour

“The beach access stairs themselves are in the permitting process,”Wirits said. “Some steady progress. No clear timeline for completion yet.”

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

 

Newport Hotel Reviews: Agate Beach Motel A Retro 1940s Escape
Truly a masterpiece of retro meets modern above Newport, each room a distinctive look

A Soaring View Just Opened This Week at North Oregon Coast's Neskowin
Right on the ocean, it's been drawing attention lately. Availability. Pacific City Hotel reviews

Bandon Hotels - South Oregon Coast Beachfront
Bandon Hotels, Bandon Hotel News, hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Seaside Hotel Reviews: JTA223522 - Practicially Perfect by the Prom (five stars)
14 Jun 2026 at 4:12am
The place came highly recommended from friends, so I figured it was going to be good. But I wasn't prepared for this awesome. I felt soooo at home. Room with a balcony right on the ocean ? that was incredible. It may not be upscale but it's not far from that at all. Went with the family and our favorite thing was sitting in that enclosed area at dusk, watching the Prom and sipping the early evening away. Just gorgeous all around. Will so be back. 4/12/2025

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Oregon Coast Landmark Tillamook Head Catches Fire, Quickly Put Out ? Video
30 Jul 2026 at 9:38pm
Seaside firefighters responded, creating a brief wildfire alert. Rescue, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Gearhart

Three Quakes Close Together Off South Oregon Coast Sunday Night
7 Sep 2026 at 11:59pm
A 5.3 and 3.9 simultaneously, then a 2.6. Sciences, geology. Bandon, Coos Bay, Dunes City

Volunteer Event at Cape Lookout is Part of Oregon Coast's Stewardship Days
7 Aug 2026 at 9:35pm
It happens at Cape Lookout State Park on August 26. A beer anniversary in Lincoln City. Oceanside events, Tillamook events, Netarts, Garibaldi events

Group of Five Rescued from Oregon Coast Surf After Repeated Warnings by Lifeguards
27 Jul 2026 at 8:35pm
As they were about to make their fourth warning, Cannon Beach lifeguards had to go into action. Seaside, Astoria, Manzanita

The Great Oregon Coast Cleanup - And Rivers and Towns
8 Sep 2026 at 8:58pm
Annual Beach 'n Riverside Cleanup returns September 18 - 27. Astoria events, Seaside events, Cannon Beach events, Manzanita events, Rockaway Beach events, Tillamook events, Oceanside events, Pacific City events, Lincoln City events, Depoe Bay events, Newport events, Waldport events, Yachats events, Florence events, Reedsport events, North Bend events, Coos Bay events, Charleston events, Bandon events, Port Orford events, Gold Beach events, Brookings events

Three Highway Deaths in Southern Oregon This Week, Two on the Coast
11 Aug 2026 at 9:06am
Two happened near Bandon, another in Lake County

Oregon / Washington / Coast Holiday Weekend Travel: AAA Says Higher Gas Prices, Busier
30 Aug 2026 at 3:25pm
Coast is extremely popular but bad news on gas. Traffic

Labor Day Weekend Travel Advice: the Real Nitty Gritty on the Oregon Coast
5 Sep 2026 at 9:20pm
What to do about traffic, gas, speed traps, finding beaches, weather. Coos Bay, Bandon, Yachats, Cannnon Beach, Seaside, Astoria

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted