The state’s whale watching center in Depoe Bay looks like it’ll be open again by the end of October.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center was built in 1956 and allows visitors to walk up to the roof to get a good view of the passing leviathans. But that roof promenade has been leaking.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to protect and preserve this unique coastal facility,” said Burke Martin, a park manager for Oregon State Parks.

Crews are working to replace the original roofing membrane and drains. They’ve been working through the summer because of the drier weather.

“This has been an ongoing need for the building,” Martin said.

Parks spokesman Mike Baden says a turn out for cars, about a block north of the Whale Watching Center, is open and there are plenty of other spots to see wildlife along the coast.

“Nearby parks such as Boiler Bay and Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather are also fantastic for whale watch viewing,” Baden said.

State parks has a website listing the best whale watching spots along the Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings. For the best results, Baden suggests bringing binoculars.

“Point your binoculars out to the water and look for a spout. Typically spouts will happen between 3 and 5 minutes apart, because whales go down for a little bit and then come back up,” he said. “So, if you see one, check that general vicinity and you’ll catch a spout.”

Depoe Bay’s whale watching building was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Authorities aim to have construction finished in time for the winter whale migration.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/07/depoe-bay-whale-watching-center-reopen/