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Newport for Nature Lovers: Where to Watch Wildlife This Spring

  • Writer: John Perez
    John Perez
  • May 13
  • 3 min read

Sea anenome


Spring and early summer are an exciting season for wildlife on the Oregon Coast, and Newport is one of the best places to experience it. Migrating birds return, marine mammals become more active, and tidepools are full of life. This time of year offers the chance to observe animals in their natural habitats. Here's where to go and what to look for as you explore Newport's wild side.


Watch for Seals and Sea Lions Along the Bay

Newport’s working harbor is a reliable spot for viewing marine mammals.

  • Sea lions gather at Port Dock One along the Historic Bayfront. Their barking is hard to miss, and they can usually be seen lounging around the docks just below the viewing platform.

  • Harbor seals are often spotted at low tide resting on mudflats around Yaquina Bay, swimming near the fishing pier at South Jetty or at Quarry Cove (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pukxffahmNWFRivt5) near the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.


Please remember to keep a respectful distance, avoid loud noises, and never feed or approach wildlife. These are wild animals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.


Tidepool Wildlife at Low Tide

Newport’s rocky shoreline reveals a world of life when the tide goes out.


Tidepools may reveal sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, and small fish. For more on tidepooling, see our “Tidepool 101” blog at https://www.discovernewport.com/post/tidepool-101-discovering-coastal-life-at-low-tide-in-newport


Birdwatching Hotspots

Spring migration makes Newport a rewarding place for birdwatching. Estuaries, rocky headlands, and wooded trails offer a chance to spot coastal and migratory species.


Bring binoculars and watch for the distinctive orange bills of black oystercatchers along rocky outcrops.


Marine Mammal Sightings on the Water

For a broader look at wildlife offshore, hop aboard an educational cruise.

  • Marine Discovery Tours offers narrated trips with onboard naturalists. You might spot harbor porpoises, gray whales (especially in early spring), sea birds, or even a seal pup. Learn more at https://www.marinediscoverytours.com


Tours typically include interactive features like crab pot pulling and offer insight into local marine ecology.


Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium

If the weather turns or you want to learn more in a controlled setting, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a great stop.

  • Indoor and outdoor exhibits highlight native marine species, from sea otters and seabirds to tidepool habitats.

  • It’s an especially good stop for families or those new to marine life.

  • Tickets and details at https://aquarium.org


Trails and Natural Areas for Wildlife Spotting

Newport’s green spaces and trails are alive with birds, deer, and other wildlife in spring.

  • Mike Miller Park: A quiet forested loop with interpretive signs and frequent songbird sightings.

  • South Jetty Trail: Open views of the ocean, dunes, and Yaquina Bay. Great for watching shorebirds and the occasional river otter.

  • Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site: Picnic areas with views of the bridge and harbor, a relaxing place to take in the natural setting.


Spring and early summer are an ideal time to connect with the wild rhythms of the Oregon Coast. Whether you’re watching harbor seals bob in the water, scanning the skies for pelicans, or peering into a tidepool, Newport offers endless opportunities to slow down and take in the natural world.



Newport’s tidepools, estuaries, forests, and harbors make spring a wonderful time to connect with the natural world. For more ideas on where to explore, learn, and experience the Oregon Coast, visit https://discovernewport.com


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