416 NEHighway 101

Depoe Bay Oregon, 97341

About Us:

History on Depoe Bay and the Whale Inn at Depoe Bay...

In 1894, the US Government allotted the land that now is Depoe Bay to a Siletz Indian named Charlie Depot. His last name was derived from his employment at a US Army Depot. The family later changed the spelling to Depoe, which was the spelling used when a post office was established in 1928 and Depoe Bay became incorporated.

The Whale Inn was built in 1930 and was the first original hospitality Inn in Depoe Bay. It is as much a part of Depoe Bay’s history as whale watching or deep-sea fishing. Our intention is preserve the Inn, and bring the Whale Inn back to its original glory.

We have maintained the Cape Cod Cottage Style accommodations, choosing to capture the atmosphere of the past and provide the modern conveniences of today.

Kay Skaggs lives at the Inn, and is the resident Manager and Inn Keeper. She has maintained the old world charm of a Cottage Village Inn and treats all our guests and patrons as if they were coming to stay with her, at her home. Because they are! Our customer service is top notch and our rooms are immaculately clean. As she tells it: I’m the chief cook and bottle washer. I’m the gardener, the housekeeper and the customer service department. Oh… by the way, did we mention, she is the Inn-Keeper/Manager! Kay continues to work with all the local businesses in Depoe Bay, to provide and offer to all our guests discounts and specials only provided by the Whale Inn.

Depoe Bay is, and always has been, a small fishing village located half way between Lincoln City and Newport on the Central Oregon Coastline. Northeast Pacific Coast Highway 101 runs directly through the middle of town, and follows the Pacific Ocean. With spectacular views, no matter where you are in Depoe Bay. The full-time population of Depoe Bay has approximately 1100 residents. We have the world’s smallest navigable harbor. Charter fishing boats and whale watching boats can be on the open sea literally within minutes.

A sea wall runs almost the full length of town and is known for the spouting horns: lava rock formations that turn crashing waves into plumes of water on stormy days. The spouting horns can shoot sprays of water into the air as high as 60’ during turbulent seas. It is a spectacular sight to see! Winter storm watching from various restaurants, lodging facilities or simply standing on the walkway in town, is becoming ever increasingly popular.

Our fairy tale fishing village has numerous colorful stores, gift shops and galleries, featuring maritime collectibles, fine art, apparel and the tastiest homemade candies and salt-water taffy available. Depoe Bay doesn’t go to sleep in the winter either! Gray Whales migrate right past Depoe Bay on their way from the Bering Sea to Baja California, Mexico. Southbound whales move past the Oregon coast December through February. Northbound whales pass by in late February through early June. All through the summer months, whale watching (and sometimes killer whale watching) is a favorite past time. A resident pod of Gray Whales make Depoe Bay their “home”. Some may travel a short distance with the migrating whales, but turn around and come back to Depoe Bay to live.

“Thar be whales in Depoe Bay”. Whale watching is definitely spoken here! We ARE the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coastline!