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city in Oregon, USA
North America > United States of America > Pacific Northwest > Oregon > Oregon Coast > Central Oregon Coast > Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay is a town on the Central Oregon Coast, famous as the smallest navigable harbor in the world, and as the "whale watching capital of the world." Lots of research goes on, mostly connected to Oregon State University's oceanography department.

Get in

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Depoe Bay is relatively easy to get to. If you are coming from the south on Hwy 101, continue past Newport for 27 miles. For travellers starting in Corvallis, for instance, head west on Hwy 34 and continue to Newport; turn north onto Hwy 101, again for 27 miles. Hwy 101 is renowned as the major Oregon/California coast highway.

Get around

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Drive (slowly) if you must, but the best way to see everything is to walk. There is plenty of parking. There's a pedestrian underpass to cross Hwy 101 at the bridge- this can be easier than trying to cross 101 between shops and the seawall /Whale Watching center on busy weekends.

Whale watching is a very popular thing these days with about 95 percent of Oregonians/world travellers watching whales from this town. Depoe Bay really is preferred by the grey whales for showing themselves (and showing off) more than anywhere else. For extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean in general, there are several other lookout points in town as well. Many miles of accessible beach at Depoe Bay; check the weather for suitable activities.

Head to the beach, after checking the wave/weather situation. The Chamber of Commerce has the latest information on whom to contact, businesses, phone numbers, etc. (Located: 70 N. Hwy 101; phone: +1 541-765-2889)(as of 07-03-09). Watch the waves crash into the rocks from lookout points, most on Hwy 101.

  • Ride Whale Research EcoExcursions, ☏ +1 541-912-6734. Zodiac (rigid-hull inflatable boats) tours. Run by Carrie Newell (Gray whale expert who has worked with the Cousteau family). Previous day or earlyAM if weather questionable, for schedules and dock number. Trips available throughout the day during the season (through mid-October.) 

Fishing

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Bay entry is at north end of the bridge for all ocean-going.

Shopping area in downtown Depoe Bay, on the east side of Hwy 101

There are numerous stores in Depoe Bay, especially lining Hwy 101. Retailers offer country decor, surfing items, coffee drinks, restaurant/cafe specialities, etc.; other small private venues showcase the local craftspersons, with many unique items available.

Drink

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Sleep

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Camping

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Vacation rentals

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Cope

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Public restrooms are located at the Whale Watching Center, on the east side of Hwy 101 at Bay St. just north of the bridge, and at City Park on the south end of the harbor.

Go next

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Routes through Depoe Bay
Tillamook ← Lincoln City ←  N  S  → Newport → Florence


This city travel guide to Depoe Bay is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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