Vacation rentals in Depoe Bay

Halfway between the Oregon coast towns of Lincoln City and Newport, Depoe Bay is a former fishing village with incredible views of the ocean from its main road. Rocky outcrops shelter the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor from the relentless waves of the Pacific, while observation decks on shore allow you to spot migrating whales. Depoe Creek enters the Pacific Ocean through the town’s tiny bay and its narrow channel of basalt rock. During storms, the area’s geological features create a natural spouting horn from which seawater sprays as high as 50 feet into the air. Downtown Depoe Bay is a tidy jumble of gift shops, coffee houses, and seafood restaurants whose tables take advantage of the spectacular ocean views. A sunset stroll along the bay makes for the perfect end to your day.

Depoe Bay is famous for its whale watching. It’s possible to spot whales for much of the year, though if you visit from December through mid-January and late March through May, you’ll have a better chance. While it can be windy on the coast, temperatures rarely drop below freezing during winter, so as long as you bundle up, you’ll be able to watch the whales comfortably from a viewing platform or chartered ship. The Depoe Bay Crab Feed in April is a must for lovers of Dungeness crab, a regional specialty. Summers bring mild temperatures, perfect for enjoying the nearby hiking trails that offer stunning views of the coast. Fall’s main event is the Salmon Bake in September, where revelers feast on traditionally slow-roasted salmon and enjoy live music and dancing.

Whale Watching Center

Perched above the harbor with an open view of the bay, the center is a great place to learn about and view whales. During the peak months, tens of thousands of gray whales migrate past the Whale Watching Center from Alaska to Mexico. There are migrations year-round, and you might also see orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, and blue whales.

Cape Perpetua

This 2,700-acre forested headland juts into the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. The park’s 26-mile trail system passes through woodland and along seaside cliffs offering alternating views of trees covered in coastal fog and white-capped surf crashing on the shoreline. Stop by the visitor center and chat with the staff, who can answer questions and help you plan your hikes.

Yaquina Bay Light

Built in 1871, Yaquina Bay Light is perched atop a bluff at the mouth of the Yaquina River in the nearby town of Newport. It’s Oregon’s only wooden lighthouse, and features an attached living quarters. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse has been restored to working order and is open to the public daily.