Getting the opportunity to view wildlife at the Oregon coast makes a trip to the sea that much more worthwhile, especially with young kids in tow. Thankfully the Oregon coast seals, sea lions, birds and various marine life are abundant and available for your viewing pleasure (from a safe distance, of course!).

I’m a lifelong Oregon local who has spent most of my childhood summers trying to find the best spots to see sea lions and seals at the Oregon coast (among other things). I thought it’d be fun to roundup the best spots to see wildlife at the Oregon coast. Hope you enjoy!

Wildlife at the Oregon Coast

Where to See Sea Lions at the Oregon Coast

Far and away, sea lions are the most common wildlife at the Oregon coast. You don’t need to go far to find these chatty mammals lounging on sandy shores, attractive piers or playing in the various bays along the shoreline.

The best spots to see seal lions at the Oregon coast tend to be around bays. And, it probably goes without saying, but remember to keep a safe distance between yourself and the various Oregon coast wildlife you’re bound to see.

Not only are the seals and sea lions at the Oregon coast protected by the Marine Mammal Act, but they’re known to get aggressive when approached. Both state and federal laws prohibit feeding, touching or disturbing marine mammals.

If this is your first time seeing sea lions on the Oregon coast, prepare to hear their large “barks.” You’re bound to find kids mimicking the sound if you’re near a high-trafficked pier (I have so many memories of doing this myself as a kid).

Likewise, Oregon coast sea lions are massive! Mature males weigh an average of 700-800 pounds, but even if it weren’t for the size, you couldn’t miss them between the loud barking.

Where to find sea lions at the Oregon coast

Cape Arago State Park (Coos Bay)
Sandbars near the mouth of Alsea Bay
Nehalem Bay State Park
Salishan Spit near Siletz Bay Park
Netarts Bay
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Coquille Point (Bandon)
Sea Lion Caves

where to find sea lions in Oregon — Sea Lions on the Oregon Coast

Best time to see sea lions at the Oregon coast

The Oregon coast sea lions are permanent year-round residents. You can find them at the coast every season of the year, practically every day of the week. As such, there’s no need to time a trip around a special time for those wondering where to see sea lions at the Oregon coast.

Oregon Coast Wildlife Viewing Rules

It’s quite common to find baby seals (called pups) that look abandoned, but don’t approach. Young seal pups are left along for long periods of time while the mother hunts, so there’s a 95% chance the baby seal is just fine.

I’ve seen tons of concerned folks (over the years) try to approach the baby seal in an effort to help, but that opens up a whole can of worms. The sea lions at the Oregon coast are wild mammals and shouldn’t be comfortable around human contact, otherwise they can learn to approach folks and get aggressive.

If you are concerned about a baby sea lion that looks abandoned, call local authorities at 1-800-452-7888. The Oregon coast wildlife professionals will assess the situation and decide whether to put up warning signs around the area to avoid endangering wildlife.

Trust me, I’m not making this stuff up. Last year, July 2022, an endangered baby seal died at the Oregon coast because of human impact.

Sea Lions at Cape Arago Cliffs State Park, Coos Bay, Oregon | Shutterstock

Where to See Seals at the Oregon Coast

Oregon coast seals are also quite common to see. Less prolific than the sea lions at the coast, seals are smaller and less noisy. The most common type of seal at the Oregon coast is the Harbor seal.

For reference, the average male harbor seal weighs about 300 pounds and caps out around 6 feet long while the average sea lion (as mentioned) weighs in at an impressive 800 pounds and clocks in at 7-8 feet long.

Regardless, both the sea lions and seals at the Oregon coast belong to the same family called “pinnipeds.” Seals are more docile and tend to wriggle on their bellies on land, whereas sea lions “wobble” using large flippers to get around.

Where to see seals at the Oregon coast

You’re most likely to find Harbor seals in bays and estuaries (where the river dumps into the bay) because they prefer to lounge on rocky headlands and soft beaches. These cute little guys have taken up residence along the entire coastline but are avid fishers, so they love to hand out around good fishing areas.

Personally speaking, I’ve had the best luck seeing Oregon coast seals at the northern tip of the coast. Seals love to huddle in small groups when resting ashore.

Shell Island of Simpson Reef
Salishan Spit in Lincoln City
Alsea Bay (Waldport)
Shore Acres Park (Coos Bay)
Nehalem Bay
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge (Oceanside)

Best time to see seals at the Oregon coast

Much like the sea lions mentioned earlier, you’ll see seals at the Oregon coast year-round. But head’s up: You’ll find cute pups during the spring months (births peak mid-May).

Much like the sea lions at the Oregon coast, baby seals will be left on the beach for extended periods of time while the mom fishes. You know the drill: don’t approach and call 1-800-452-7888 if you’re in a high traffic area and think other folks may approach the seal.

Bonus: Seeing Elephant Seals at the Oregon Coast

It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while lucky beach-goers stumble across one of the rarest Oregon coast wildlife viewing opportunities, the Elephant seals. These bad boys weigh as much as 1,300 pounds and can grow to heights of 13 feet (imagine!). If you’re keen to see them for yourself, swing by Shell Island at Cape Arago State Park, specifically Simpson Reef, you never know — you might just get lucky.

Yawning Elephant Seal Oregon Coast | Shutterstock

Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast

Those wishing to see whales at the Oregon coast will be happy to learn that migrating season lasts from late December through early April. During migration, whales use the area to feed and breed calves while en route to Alaska.

The most common species of migrating whales are gray whales, orcas, sperm whales and humpbacks. Keep your eyes peeled for impressive spouts that reach heights of 12 feet. You’ll probably be able to see these spouts without assistance, but for the full experience pick up a pair of binoculars.

The most common species of whales at the Oregon coast is the Gray whale, which surfaces 3-5 times for air before deep diving into the ocean and exposed a massive tail to onlookers.

But apart from the migrating whales, few folks realize that the coast is home to around 200 gray whales that live nearby almost year-round. As such, whale watching at the Oregon coast is a popular activity.

The event is so popular in fact that Oregon State Parks designates an entire week in late March for whale watching at the Oregon coast. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions from enthusiastic on-lookers.

Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast
Wildlife viewing at the Oregon Coast — Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast | Shutterstock

Where to see whales at the Oregon coast

Whale Watching Center observation deck in Depoe Bay (FREE)
Fort Stevens State Park
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint
Ecola State Park
Yaquina Heaad Outstanding Natural Area
Umpqua Head Outstanding Natural Area

Best time for Oregon coast whale watching

In addition to the 200 resident gray whales at the Oregon coast, you can expect to find an influx of whale watching opportunities during these times:

Migrating season (December & January): Mexico-bound gray whales
Migrating season (March – early April): Alaska-bound gray whales
Mid-April: Orcas
Summer: Oregon’s resident gray whales linger close to shore around the Central Coast

It probably goes without saying that calm days are the best days for whale watching at the Oregon coast. Coastal winds are brutal and suck the fun out of everything. However, the indoor viewing area at the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay may offer some respite from windy weather.

If interested, my husband and I recently visited Hawaii during whale migrating season and got to experience a mother and calf playing in the sea. See video below!

https://youtu.be/al-Hf6bdCYo

Where to Find Starfish at the Oregon Coast

Finding the best spots to see starfish at the Oregon coast was a favorite pastime of mine when I was younger. My parents would take us to Haystack Rock at low tide and we would briskly begin our search for vibrant starfish of varying hues.

If you’re trying to figure out where to see starfish at the Oregon coast, you’ll quickly learn that the entire coastline is ripe for exploration. The state’s breathtaking rocky coastline creates the perfect conditions for these little guys to thrive.

The biggest thing to know about seeing starfish at the Oregon coast is the tide schedule. The tides rise and fall twice a day, and you’ll want to exploring during outgoing tides because that’s when the colorful world of tide pools reveals itself.

Not only will you find beautiful starfish in these diverse ecosystems, but you’ll come across a plethora of wonderful marine life, like the beloved giant green anenomes, urchins, hermit crabs and barnacles! If helpful, here’s the resource I use before heading out to explore tide pools at the Oregon coast.

You know the drill: Leave everything as you found it and take nothing home but memories. Don’t touch the marine wildlife at the Oregon coast, these beauties are for all to enjoy! Also, remember to wear shoes with good traction, the tide pools at the Oregon coast are very slippery.

Best tide-pools at the Oregon coast

There’s no shortage of tide pools at the Oregon coast, but if you’re looking for the best spots to find star fish at the Oregon coast then I suggest the following gems.

Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach, best spot to see star fish at the Oregon coast)
Tunnel Beach (Oceanside)
Bandon Beach
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Hug Point State Park

Birding at the Oregon Coast

When it comes to popular activities, birding at the Oregon coast seems high on a lot of visitor’s lists. The jagged coastline serves as a magnet for impressive flocks of both seabirds and shorebirds. Indeed, bird watching at the Oregon coast is a great way to pass the time.

The Pacific Ocean’s jetties, beaches and bays are attractive to birds on the hunt. To get the greatest diversity of birds, trying timing your visit during the spring and fall months when peak migration occurs.

But it may be helpful to go over some of the most popular birds at the Oregon coast.

Types of birds at the Oregon coast

Pelicans: Found in estuaries and bays during migrating fall and spring seasons, pelicans are a common sight for birders at the Oregon coast. Still, the birds are majestic as they hunt for fish to swallow whole (kids get a kick out of these guys!).

birding at the Oregon Coast — Pelican at the Oregon Coast | Shutterstock

Tufted Puffin: I’m not saying I have a favorite bird, but if I did, it’d be the tufted puffin. These birds couldn’t be cuter! They nest on the islands of Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) and Face Rock (Bandon) from May – August.

Common murres: As the name suggests, common murres are quite common. You’re likely to find these Oregon coast birds along rocky island or steep cliffsides (prime nesting areas).

Bald eagles: Birds of prey are a dime a dozen at the coast but there’s something special about the bald eagles. Sometimes perched along the beach, these massive birds steal the show with their impressive wing span and noble stature. You can also come across osprey while birding at the Oregon coast, which are way more common than bald eagles.

Peregrine falcons: Much like bald eagles, Peregrine falcons are a sight for sore eyes. This is some of the best wildlife at the Oregon coast, so keep your eyes peeled! These falcons nest near the water using bridges and cliffs.

Black Oystercatchers: These are some of the most interesting birds at the Oregon coast. Distinctive black feathers give way to long pink legs and a bright orange bill. All this shine in comparisons to to stark yellow eye framed by a red ring. Black Oystercatchers aren’t easy to see because they nest on rocky shores further out at sea, avoiding human interaction all together.

Best spots for birding at the Oregon coast

Oregon coast birding is a popular year-round activity, but the migrating season during the spring and fall months is the best time to see rare birds. The birds are best viewed from afar (which is why I finally invested in these).

Oregon coast birding tip: One of the best times to go bird watching at the Oregon coast is after a large storm. The seabirds flock closer to shore after a storm, creating prime wildlife viewing at the Oregon coast.