Depoe Bay

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Depoe Bay, a very picturesque little town located on the Oregon coast about 10 miles north of Newport, is home to what is said to be the world's smallest year-round navigable harbor. Cut into the coastal basalt rock by millions of years of pounding surf, the tiny harbor is connected to the Pacific Ocean by a narrow passage through the rocks. Onlookers gather on the highway 101 bridge to watch as boats thread their way (locally called “shooting the hole”) through the 150-yard long and 50-foot wide passage with 2 doglegs and a 42-foot overhead clearance under the bridge. With a little wind and high surf, this can get to be a pretty exciting passage, and vessels sometimes rattle their way through, bouncing off rocks like they were in a pinball machine.

Migrating whales pass by in the deep water just offshore, and the Oregon Parks Department operates a small museum and whale-watching center right at the entrance to the harbor. It is an ideal spot to watch passing whales, boats “shooting the hole”, and nature’s fury during the infamous coastal Oregon storms. We spent some time in the center talking with the rangers, who tried to recruit us to volunteer next year as hosts working in the center. It was tempting, but we didn’t commit (not yet, anyway). The downside is that there isn't a nearby spot to park the "condo". We would have to stay in a state park campground about 7 miles away. It is a really interesting place though, and it would be nice to spend some time here and really get to know the area.

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Photos

Rocks just Offshore
This was shot from the restaurant in Depoe Bay where we had lunch. Not a bad view, eh?

House on the Hill
This was also shot from the restaurant. What a view this guy has, but I would think it get's very interesting up there during the storms.

The Smallest Harbor in the World
Shot from the highway 101 bridge.

Harbor Entrance
This was a pretty calm day, but look at the small tree in the center of the picture.

Highway 101 Bridge
This bridge spans the harbor inlet, and is a good place from which to watch all the action.

Boiler Bay
Very picturesque bay just north of Depoe Bay.