Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Depoe Bay, Oregon
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
If you like whales, then you will love Depoe Bay, Oregon, the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast." Depoe Bay is the residence of grey whales from March to December, and visitors come from everywhere to whale-watch from observation points of from charters in the water. Depoe Bay's 6-acre small harbor is the smallest natural navigable harbor in the world: This is a result of several millions of years of pressure from the Pacific Ocean, which has carved its way through the basalt formations of Depoe Bay's fragile coastline. Interestingly, despite its small size, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains a station at the Depoe Bay harbor. Visitors to downtown Depoe Bay will still be able to enjoy the ocean view, as a large sea wall surrounds the area full of restaurants and shops. Water spouts can be seen occasionally as high as 60 feet in the air, caused by pressure from the lava beds underneath the waves.
Besides whale watching, Depoe Bay offers other whale-related attractions such as the Whale Park and the WhaleSpoken Whale Watch Center. Fishing is also a favorite pastime of tourists. Salmon, halibut, flounder and other species of bottom fish can be found year round by sport and commercial fishermen. Charter boats are available for public fishing, crabbing, and of course, whale watching! For hungry tourists, a handful of restaurants downtown offer mostly seafood with a great view. If you arrive at the right time, you might catch one of the annual events, such as the Classic Wooden Boat Show, Crab Feed & Ducky Derby, Memorial Day Fleet of Flowers, Fireworks in Boiler Bay, Indian Salmon Bake, Holiday Lighting Ceremony, and Magic of Christmas celebration. It is best to keep yourself busy during the day, since the nightlife in Depoe Bay is nothing to write home about, with only one nearby bar, the Shalishack Tavern.
Once you arrive, there are only a handful of places to stay in small Depoe bay, namely Channel House Inn, the Whale Watch at North Pointe, the Inn at Arch Rock, and Trollers Lodge. Although there is not a wide selection of places to stay and eat, or things to do besides whale watch at Depoe Bay, it is certainly worth a visit for anyone interested in a quaint, quiet, whale-filled vacation.
The name "Depoe Bay" comes from Charley DePoe, a Siletz Native American, known by locals as "Old Charley." Chief Depoe, Charley's grandson, resided in the bay until his recent death. The Depoe family name and traces of the Siletz Tribe heritage still live on in Depoe Bay.
Depoe Bay is located in Lincoln County on the central Oregon coast, and is landlocked except for the small harbor entrance, which can only fit a maximum 50-foot long boat. Visitors can watch the boat traffic through the narrow channels under Highway 101 to the harbor, known as "the shooting hole." Depoe Bay is two hours away from Portland Oregon, where the nearest airport is located. By car, the bay is located off of Highway 101, near Cape Foulweather, Newport, Geleneden Beach and Otter Rock. The drive to Depoe Bay is full of spectacular ocean views, but watch out for sporadic geyser sprays along the highway.