ORPD Whale Watching Center in Oregon

We left Cape Lookout State Park and stopped at the Devil’s Lake Recreation Area to kayak and swim and then we headed down to the ORPD Whale Watching Center. Located right on the coast, the center is located in a building that actually goes out into the bay.

It also goes up to an observation deck. We went up here and we saw at least 3-4 whales in the short time we were there. Some were further away, but a couple of them were really close, right in the bay.

We almost didn’t stop there, but I am so glad we did. The parking is a mess, so we ended up walking for about three blocks, but it wasn’t bad.

There are fun activities for the kids to do in the ORPD Center, and it is free to get in. You can also walk along the boardwalk and see the whales from several different lookout points. We spent maybe an hour there and it was a very memorable experience.

Be sure to take a camera with a good zoom lens so you can get some closeups of the whales when they surface and blow water in the air.

We got to walk across the big bridge, and it was so fun to stop and watch the seals down on the docks and the fishermen feeding them. The view of the bay is also really beautiful. You can walk down the stairs to go down below the bridge as well.

On our way to the ORPD Whale Watching Center, we stopped at a beautiful lookout called Boiler Bay. This is a pullout off the road with a lot of parking, grassy areas, restrooms, and beautiful views. We ate lunch in our trailer and soaked up the sites. We were lucky it was a clear warm day.

So if you are looking for a great spot for lunch on Highway 101 then I highly recommend this place.