A popular site for whale watching along the Oregon Coast is now closed for several weeks for repairs.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay offers views of gray whales throughout the year including the thousands that migrate biannually between Alaska and Mexico, as well as those that hang out year-round. The bay is a popular area for them to feed.
The center offers interpretive exhibits and programs where staff and volunteers teach visitors about gray whales and other wildlife.
But given the building was built in the 1950s, it has seen its share of wear and tear along the coast.
“The roof has a promenade with a viewing platform,” said Mike Baden with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “But there’s some drainage and leakage problems in this post-war era building that need to be repaired, and so we finally have the funding to do that.”
The center officially closes on Wednesday.
SIMILAR COVERAGE: Survey finds people happy with Oregon’s state parks but need repairs, staff
Baden anticipates the work to take four to six weeks, depending on how things go.
Either way, it should still be open in time for Winter Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast, which typically kicks off in late December.
Meanwhile, Baden said people can check out nearby sites like Rocky Creek, Boiler Bay and Cape Foulweather.
“They have areas where people can spread out and have picnics,” Baden said. “And this is a great time of year to be doing that.”