Whale Watching at Elk Flats

Register Here

9 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 29
Elk Flats Trail (Oswald West State Park)

North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) and Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP) invite you to join us from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, to get a glimpse of gray whale northbound migration, which takes place in the Spring! We will begin our hike at Elk Flats Trail, off of U.S. Highway 101, and take the trail out to Devil’s Cauldron.

During this event, we will be using scopes and binoculars to look for whales and the abundance of other life that exists in the waters and among the trees. NCLC and TEP staff will speak to our work in the region and the importance of whales for our climate and the marine ecosystems. We can’t wait for you to join us during Oregon’s Whale Watch week!

Event Details:

The hike out and back is approximately 1 mile and there is an elevation gain of 300 feet. The trail is often bursting with plant life, so wearing long-sleeve clothing and sturdy shoes is recommended. Pictures will be posted to the Explore Nature Know Before You Go resource page so you can properly prepare for the conditions of this trail.

The parking lot is an unassuming gravel lot just south of the Short Sand Beach parking lots. We recommend arriving early to secure parking, and if you are planning to meet people there, to park in the southern Short Sand Beach parking lot (where bathrooms are located) and carpool to the Elk Flats trailhead.