Depoe Bay & Beyond - Things To Do & See

A charming coastal town, Depoe Bay is not just a fantastic place to stop on your trip via on U.S. Route 101 but is also known as the smallest natural navigable harbor in the world.

The town's outer bay is rocky, with headlands sticking out on both ends. The narrow channel goes right through the basalt formations and creates the inner harbor. Waves crashing into the basalt rock cut through it, creating this unique geological wonder.

Despite its small size, the town has plenty of places to stay, restaurants and bars, and various coastal adventures to enjoy.

The land here was home to the Siletz people long before the town was established. Historians attribute the town's name to the native American Charles "Charley" Depot. One of the most widely accepted versions is that 'Depot' came from Charley working at the military depot near Toledo.

Later, 'Depot' became 'Depoe,' which is how we got the contemporary town's name. Commercial fishing faded away with time, and tourism became the city's primary source of income. So, while you can't park your fishing fleet at the harbor, you can still enjoy sport fishing alone or with family and friends!

Depoe Bay Is The Smallest Navigable Harbor In The World

The town's harbor covers an area of just six acres, which is remarkably small compared to other navigable harbors worldwide.

Also, the entrance to the harbor is exceptionally narrow, carved through natural rock formations. This passage is so narrow that vessels must enter and exit one at a time, requiring skillful navigation.

Things to Do

The Bayfront

The bayfront promenade takes you along the scenic harbor, allowing you to enjoy views you can't appreciate if you just drive along it. Enjoy the picturesque harbor panorama and walk across the arching bridge, built in 1927.

In the right weather conditions, you can see two spouting horns north of the bay. Seawater can spray up to 60 feet high during high tides and winter storms! East of the bridge, you can see the world-famous smallest navigatable harbor.

Whale Watching Center

Operated by volunteers, the whale-watching center helps you see the mighty ocean creatures in their native habitat! The large glass windows protect the viewing deck from rain and wind. The center provides binoculars and has interpretive displays about whale life.

The best times to see whales are:

Mid-December to January, during migration to the south
Late March to early June, during migration to the north
Mid-July to early November, when local whales feed right off the Depoe Bay coast

Fishing And Whale-Watching Charters

Several outfits in town offer boat trips for fishing and whale-watching.

During the summer and fall months, when salmon runs peak, you have the highest chance of catching Chinook and Coho salmon. In addition to salmon, the area is fantastic for bottom fishing throughout the year. You can catch ling cod, black rock fish, sea bass, and other species.

Fishing trips vary in length, ranging from half-day to full-day outings.

Whale, Sea Life & Shark Museum

A private museum showcases multiple models of marine mammals, a massive collection of whale pictures, and an extensive display of shark jaws.

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

The 1910 shipwreck of J. Marhoffer is sitting only half a mile north of Depoe Bay. The ship started burning just 3 miles offshore and drifted into the bay. On the low tide, you can see the boiler of the J. Marhoffer, hence the name of this spot.

Whale Cove

Whale Cove is a beautiful bay with breathtaking views just half a mile South of Depoe Bay. During Prohibition, bootleggers used this bay as a hidden port.

Otter Crest Loop

This is a 3-mile section of the old Coast Highway, running parallel to the US 101. The loop will take you along the Pacific Ocean to various scenic places, including Cape Foulweather, Otter Rock, Devil's Punchbowl, and Marine Gardens.

Winter Storms

Watching winter storms in the bay is a truly memorable experience. Powerful waves of the mighty Pacific crash into the shoreline, launching a mass of water into the air!

Events

Depoe Bay is home to a variety of entertaining events. This includes:

The Depoe Bay Classic Wooden Boat Show, Crab Feed, and Ducky Derby in April
The Fleet of Flowers on Memorial Day
The Depoe Bay Salmon Bake in September

Join one or all of them!

Food And Drinks

Despite its small size, Depoe Bay has a wide variety of venues where you can sit down and enjoy a nice meal with a cold one. You can find American cuisine, seafood, Asian cuisine, fusion cuisine, and more. Depoe Bay Winery hosts wine tasting.