Depoe Bay Whale Watching Paddle - L3 - T2640

To sign up for this trip get on the  "Request Approval Waitlist"  waitlist. When you are approved for the trip the TO will send you a password for a "Approved For Trip by TO" ticket. This is a challenging L3 adventure and paddlers must have the appropriate skills to attend.

Full Name:: Nick Marshall

Narrative:: On this paddle, we will explore the Depoe Bay area and hopefully see some whales.

We will meet at 9am and launch at 9:30am from the Depoe Bay Boat Ramp
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyR6QLsMMpHSSfJ4A
44°48'28.3"N 124°03'36.6"W

We will start by paddling about 2 miles north to Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint. Next, we will paddle south 3 miles to Whale Cove, where we will stop for an early lunch (see the photo below). The beach in Whale Cove is only publicly accessible by kayak (the stairs to the beach in the photo lead to private property). After lunch, we will paddle 2.5 miles back to Depoe Bay.

Total distance: 7.5 miles

Required equipment: Dry suit, Helmet, VHF Radio (fully charged)

"Local practice requires vessels to make a broadcast on VHF channel 80 indicating their intention prior to leaving or entering the bay. The Coast Guard Station monitors VHF FM Channel 80."
https://www.cityofdepoebay.org/harbor/page/crossing-depoe-bay-bar

Suggested equipment: camera

Other details

1) There is a $10 launch fee

2) There is often a bar restriction at Depoe Bay
https://www.weather.gov/pqr/allbars
Based on the current forecast for Wednesday
https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Boiler-Bay/forecasts/latest/six_day
I think there will be no restriction, but this is difficult to predict

3) If there is a bar restriction, then the backup plan is to surf the mouth of the Salmon River at Cascade Head (launch from Knight Park). This decision may have to be made on the morning of the paddle (an email will be sent at 6 a.m. morning the paddle based on bar website)

4) There is a small tidal exchange, which is ideal
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9435827&units=standard&bdate=20260624&edate=20260624&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=dailychart
Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in::https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyR6QLsMMpHSSfJ4A
Take out::https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyR6QLsMMpHSSfJ4A
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Surf at Cascade Head
Required equipment:: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Nick Marshall
Co-Organizer(s)::
Has organizer paddled here before?: Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?: No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?: Yes
First Aid /CPR Person::
Maximum number of paddlers:: 5
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 60
Estimated Water Temperature:: 52
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 3.5 hours
Tide times & heights:: 2026/06/24 Wed 03:21 AM 0.73 L
2026/06/24 Wed 09:39 AM 5.09 H
2026/06/24 Wed 2:31 PM 3.02 L
2026/06/24 Wed 8:57 PM 7.80 H
Current information::
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 3: 12-16 knots (19 mph)
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: Level 4: Waves up 6', Breaking Waves up to 4'
Sea state:: Level 3: Waves to paddle tops; numerous whitecaps, waves becoming longer
Landing types:: Level 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
Currents:: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance:: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing:: Level 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 3
Rating Comments::
Location::https://maps.app.goo.gl/SyR6QLsMMpHSSfJ4A
Photos (Optional):: yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station::https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9435827&units=standard&bdate=20260624&edate=20260624&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=dailychart
Link to map of route (Optional):