Depoe Bay

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.

Drive (slowly) if you must, but the best way to see everything is to walk. Plenty 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.

• Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

  phone: +541-265-4560
  See the rugged bay from the parking/ picnic area on the rocky cliffs. The bay is named for a 1910 shipwreck, and the ships boiler can be seen at extreme low tide. This is a good place to watch for resident grey whales year round,as well as ocean-going birds.

• Whale Watching Center

  phone: +1 541-765-3304

• Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area

  phone: +1 541-265-4560
  A cliff-rimmed beach where a creek flows into the ocean. Good place to tide pool or bird watch.There`s also both wind-sheltered and covered picnic structures. Inland, wooden footbridges lead you through the Sitka spruce, western hemlock, shore pine and alder forest.

• Justin Sparks Wildlife Art

  phone: +1 541-891-3335
  address: 46 N US 101
  Watercolor paintings of wild animals. Before becoming an artist, Justin Sparks worked with animals at zoos and sanctuaries.

• Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint

  phone: +1 541-265-4560

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

  phone: +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

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

• Dockside Charters

  phone: +1 541-765-2545
  address: P.O. Box 1308
  Wooden boats, sightseeing, fishing, one daily (early AM) Zodiac (rubber raft) tour. Check early AM for schedules/availability (as of 07-03-09).

• Charterboat Reel Nauti

  phone: +1 541-921-1628
  address: P.O. Box 492

• Tradewinds Charters

  phone: +1 541-765-2345
  address: Highway 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.

• Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy

  phone: +1 541-765-2431
  address: 66 SE US 101

• Depoe Bay Candy Shop

  phone: +1 541-765-2727

• Fuddy Duddy Fudge

  phone: +1 541-765-2878
  address: 112 N Hwy 101

• Chowder Bowl

  phone: +1 541-765-2300
  address: 40 S.Hwy. 101

• Gracie's Sea Hag Restaurant/Lounge

  phone: +1 541-765-2734
  address: 58 N. Highway 101

• Tidal Raves Seafood Grill

  phone: +1 541-765-2995
  address: 279 NW Hwy 101

• Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant

  phone: +1 541-765-7661
  address: 221 S. Hwy. 101

• Wing Wa Restaurant/Lounge

  phone: +1 541-765-2288
  address: 330 NE Hwy 101

• Surfrider Restaurant/Bar

  phone: +1 541-764-2311
  address: 3115 N Hwy 101

• Italian Riviera Restaurant/piano bar

  phone: +1 541-764-3400
  address: 3400 N Hwy 101

• Jack's Steaks N Seafood

  phone: +1 541-764-4222
  address: 3245 N Hwy 101

• Java Bean Coffee

  phone: +1 541-765-3023
  address: 26 NE Hwy 101

• Pirate Coffee

  phone: +1 541-765-4373
  address: 10 Vista St

• Cup of Jo

  phone: +1 541-765-7641
  address: 530 NE Hwy 101

• Bay Walk Cafe

  phone: +1 541-765-7674
  address: 16 SE Hwy 101

• Depoe Bay Winery

  phone: +1 541-765-3311
  address: 22 S Hwy 101

• Whale Cove Inn

  phone: +1 541-765-2255
  address: 2345 SW US 101

• Whale Watch at North Pointe

  address: 1113 North Highway 101

• Worldmark at Depoe Bay

  phone: +1 541-765-7600
  address: 939 NW Highway 101

• Channel House B&B

  phone: +1 541-765-2140
  address: 35 Ellingson St

• Trollers Lodge

  phone: +1 541-765-2287
  address: 355 SW US 101

• Clarion Inn Surfrider Resort

  phone: +1 541-764-2311
  address: 3115 NW Hwy 101

• Harbor Lights Inn

  phone: +1 541-765-2322
  address: 235 SE Bayview

• Inn at Arch Rock

  phone: +1 541-765-2560
  address: 70 NW Sunset

Camping

• Sea & Sand RV Park

  phone: +1 541-764-2313
  address: 4985 N Highway 101

• Fogarty Creek RV Park

  address: 3340 N. Hwy. 101
  52 spaces with 25 pull throughs. Cable TV, Recreation room, and laundry.

Vacation rentals

• Keystone Vacation Rentals

  phone: +1 503-443-1414
  address: 1113 US 101

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.

• Samaritan Depoe Bay Clinic

  phone: +1 541-765-3265
  address: 531 N Hwy. 101
  Offers both walk-in visits and scheduled appointments.