Boardman’s Riverfront Offers Front-Row Seat for Spring Whale Migration

While the official “Whale Watch Week” spotlight often shines on the coast, residents of Boardman have a remarkable opportunity to witness one of nature’s great migrations right from our own Columbia River shoreline. Each spring, thousands of gray whales embark on their journey north from the warm lagoons of Baja California to the rich feeding grounds of the Arctic, and a significant number pass through the waters near the mouth of the Columbia, visible from strategic local points.

“It’s a sight that connects our inland community to the vast Pacific,” says Mara Jensen, a local naturalist who leads informal viewing sessions. “On a clear, calm day, you might see the tell-tale signs: a heart-shaped puff of mist from a blowhole, a dark, rolling back, or even a fluke rising out of the water.” The best local vantage points are from the higher bluffs and parks along the river where the view opens up, particularly around the Port of Morrow area on days with minimal wind.

The key to a successful watch is patience and knowing what to look for. Experts advise scanning the horizon with the naked eye for any surface disturbance or spout—a puff of condensation that can reach ten feet high. Once a spout is spotted, binoculars can help track the whale’s progress. The spring migration, peaking through April and May, primarily consists of pregnant females and juveniles making a more leisurely trip north, often coming closer to shore.

While Boardman’s event may be quieter than the bustling coastal whale watch sites, it offers a serene and profound experience. “Grab a coat, a pair of binoculars, and just spend an hour looking west,” Jensen suggests. “Seeing that powerful life out in the river corridor reminds you of the incredible wildlife system we’re a part of here in Eastern Oregon.”