Why the Oregon Coast is a wildlife lover’s dream

The Oregon coast is home to over 30 different kinds of wildlife species, ranging from land animals like pygmy rabbits to marine mammals such as sea otters. It’s no wonder why the Oregon coast is every wildlife enthusiast’s dream.

If you want to take a closer look at the wildlife on the Oregon Coast, here’s where you should look:

1. West Coast Game Park
   Bandon, Oregon

   Also known as the West Coast Game Park Safari, this self-supporting wildlife attraction aims to care for a variety of endangered and exotic animals. The park originally started as a deer attraction in 1968. Over the years, the park expanded and grew to house more than 75 different species and over 450 animals.

   The West Coast Game Park was designed for guests to move freely around the park, giving them a chance to have a more close-up and personal interaction with the different animals. Once you enter the park, you’ll immediately be greeted by roaming animals such as sheep, deer, goats, and peacocks. You’ll also find other fascinating animals like tigers, leopards, elk, camels, and bison, all of which are safely confined in spacious enclosures.

2. Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
   Reedsport, Oregon

   Elks are one of the most majestic wildlife creatures out there. In the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, you’ll see plenty of them including native ones like the Roosevelt elk and the Rocky Mountain elk. Managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management, this 1,040-acre pastureland provides a safe and well-maintained environment to over 100 elks.

   If you’re thinking about paying a visit to the elks in the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, the best time to go is early in the morning or before nightfall. While the viewing area is open all throughout the year, the most ideal visiting time is during mating season in September. The month of June is also a great time to visit because this is when the mother elks bring their calves out to the pastureland. Aside from elks, you’ll also be able to spot eagles, beavers, and geese in the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area.

3. Gray whales
   Depoe Bay, Oregon 

   Whale watching is always a fascinating adventure, especially at the Oregon Coast. The most common ones that you’ll see in this area are gray whales which are medium-sized with white patches. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay offers books, artifacts, souvenirs, and the perfect spot for watching the whales. Aside from whale-watching from a charter boat, you can also visit 28 other whale-watching sites to catch a glimpse of the impressive gray whales.

4. Oregon Birding Trails
   Salem, Oregon 

   Get your binoculars ready for a day of birding at the Oregon Birding Trails. Located along the entire Oregon Coast, the trail is divided into four sections that contain a total of 173 bird-watching sites. You’ll be able to spot a variety of birds from the hiking trails, the rocky beaches, and from the tidal marshes. Some of the rarest birds that you can spot are the Snowy Egret, the Hooded Merganser, and the American Dipper.

5. Sea Lion Caves
   Florence, Oregon 

   Known for being one of the biggest sea caves in the United States, the Sea Lion Caves is home to a large number of sea lions and their cubs. It also doubles as a wildlife preserve and a bird sanctuary. Take an elevator down to the underground observation area where you’ll be able to witness a colony of sea lions.

If you want to learn more about the southern Oregon coast and what it has to offer, get in touch with me today at 541.661.3056 or realtormcurtis(at)gmail(dotted)com.