Depoe Bay has a whale of a reputation for its Oregon coast location
Depoe Bay is where whales count as neighbors and striking views of the Pacific Ocean are a part of daily life. This small community is nicknamed the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast, a prime spot to see migrating whales in the winter and spring and a hub for resident whales throughout much of the rest of the year. Thousands of whales pass by the area’s rocky coast annually, and numerous tourists visit to see them. Farther inland, Depoe Bay offers home buyers a diverse mix of options scattered along a series of calm, winding streets. “It’s a very nice, small community,” says Scott Arehart, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Professional Group who has almost 20 years of industry experience. “It’s basically a touristy area, but it’s very pleasant and quiet once you get off of Highway 101.”
Depoe Bay boasts beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and attracts a good number of whale watching tourists.
Depoe Bay's inlet homes feature a variety of coastal and craftsman styles with porch views.
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Dramatic landscapes double as spots for outdoor entertainment
The postcard-like vistas in Depoe Bay unfold along Highway 101, also known as the Oregon Coast Highway. This is where the ocean gleams as far as the eye can see, just off a jagged shoreline. “One aspect that’s kind of striking about Depoe Bay is that a good portion of it is just the salt rock, as opposed to sandy beaches,” Arehart says. Spots to stop and take in the views on Highway 101 include Depoe Bay Scenic Park and the Depoe Bay Whale Park, where there are multiple picnic tables to sit. The Whale Watching Center down the road offers an observation deck for whale spotting. Depoe Bay attracts an abundance of gray whales during their migration travels, and prime viewing times include Winter Whale Watch Week in late December and Spring Whale Watch Week in late March. “It coincides with spring break, which is a big time,” Arehart says. “Lots of people from different areas of Oregon and different states come.” People can also spot resident whales in the area throughout the summer and into the fall, which stick around for the food available along the coast.
Depoe Bay’s coastal location makes fishing a popular pastime as well. Anglers trek out into the ocean for deep-sea fishing, seeking tuna and salmon, Arehart says. The community’s boat harbor is known as the smallest of its kind in the world, stretching just 6 acres, with a 50-foot channel leading to the ocean. Hiking is another favorite for some in the area — Depoe Bay’s almost 170-acre Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area features multiple trails and beaches.
The majority of Depoe Bay's landscape is actually Basalt Rock creating a dramatic impact for King Tides.
Depoe Bay residents can ship out of the smallest harbor in the world and fishing is popular past time.
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Coastal homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes
The varied terrain around Depoe Bay cradles an eclectic mix of houses. There are homes here that date to the 1930s and ones built recently. Some properties offer ocean views, while others are tucked amongst lush vegetation in Depoe Bay’s more interior streets. Many houses around Depoe Bay have Craftsman style elements. “Very different price points,” Arehart says of Depoe Bay’s market. “Some that are in beautiful locations can be older homes. And then there are some newer ones. It’s usually reflected in the price. Ocean view and how good it is is always a huge factor in pricing.” Traditional single-family homes sell for $300,000 to more than $1 million based on the age and location. Depoe Bay also has an assortment of condos, most lined along the coast and priced from $250,000 to $900,000. Retirees and those seeking a second home make up a significant portion of the buyer pool, Arehart says.
Homes sit atop the dramatic rocky seaside in Depoe Bay.
Many homes in Depoe Bay feature Craftsman elements.
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Fleet of Flowers recognizes legacy of sailors
Depoe Bay’s harbor is the site of an annual tradition that dates back almost 80 years. The community hosts Fleet of Flowers at the harbor each Memorial Day, a remembrance of those lost at sea. Locals gather to watch a procession of flower-clad boats, led by the Coast Guard, and passengers drop memorial wreaths into the water as they journey from the harbor to the ocean.
The Fleet of Flowers is hosted in the Depoe Bay Harbor.
The Coast Guard leads a procession of flower clad boats for the Fleet of Flowers.
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Seafood has a big influence on Depoe Bay's dining scene
Highway 101 is the hub of commercial activity in Depoe Bay, with restaurants and shops. The community’s oceanside location means seafood is easy to find. Tidal Raves is a hotspot perched on a cliff above the water. “Tidal Raves is a very good restaurant — it’s always full,” Arehart says. Gracie’s Sea Hag is an institution, Arehart says, that has been open since 1963 and is known for its clam chowder. Stores along the highway range from Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy to clothing and home goods boutique Unique and Knotty. The closest grocery store is Chester’s Markets, about 4 miles north in the nearby community of Lincoln Beach.
Depoe Bay residents enjoy delicious American seafood dishes and views of the stark seascape at Tidal Raves.
Unique and Knotty boutique features a well curated collection of timeless apparel and locally crafted items.
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Music is a common thread in area schools
Kids in Depoe Bay can attend Lincoln County School District schools, which carry a C-plus grade on Niche. The C-plus-rated Oceanlake Elementary includes kindergarten through second grade and has a music program that puts on performances in the winter and spring. Taft Elementary carries a C grade, serves students in grades 3 through 6 and offers a band program. Taft 7-12 encompasses a C-plus-rated middle school and a C-rated high school, and features a jazz band and a choir.
Taft Elementary in Lincoln City, Oregon carries a C grade on Niche.
Taft high school is one of the 11 traditional schools students can attend in the Lincoln City School District.
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Highway 101 is a way out of town
Highway 101, in addition to its views and dining opportunities, is the primary avenue for drivers to get out of town and to other spots along the coast. The roadway spans 363 miles and is a single-lane route most of the way. Drivers may encounter the “spouting horn” effect along Highway 101 in Depoe Bay when high and choppy waters crash against the rough coastline and spray the road. “If you’re driving down the road and you hit it at the right time, it goes up in the air and clear across 101 to get some of the shops across the street wet,” Arehart says. “It comes along with the king tides and the high tides.”
With my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents in the same field, I am a 4th generation broker- I’ve got Real Estate in my blood! I’ve been able to watch my family in helping their clients buy and sell their homes and am looking forward to doing the same. Real Estate ups and downs are the topic of many family dinner conversations, which has taught me a lot and really steered me toward becoming a broker and knowing that this career would be a great fit for me. Buying or selling a home is a huge decision and of the upmost importance, and I make it my priority to help my clients every step of the way. With my Real Estate knowledge and care in helping people, I know I’ll be a great addition to the team. I have grown up in Newport, graduated from Newport High School and I am happy to say that I love where I live. I am so excited and thankful that I have the opportunity to help others in finding homes on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Before studying and earning my Broker’s license, I worked as a vacation planner and really enjoyed my job. I loved getting to know different people and then helping them in finding the best fit for them with everything from lodging to vacation activities. I know that I will be able to use those same skills in helping my clients find the perfect home to fit their family and lifestyle. I have great listening skills and am eager to hear my clients’ goals and do everything I can to make it happen. Family is my main priority and I can’t wait to help each family that I’m able to work with in finding a house to call home where they can build memories and traditions together. I love spending time with my husband, son, and our two dogs and enjoying all of the activities that our hometown has to offer. We are members at the aquarium and visit at least once a month. We also enjoy taking our dogs to the beach, walking the Bayfront and visiting the shops in Lincoln City. In my opinion, the Oregon Coast is the best place to live, and I can’t wait to help others in making their dream home become a reality!
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