Location: While you can spot orcas all along the Washington coast, you’re more likely to see them in the northwestern corner, by the Makah Indian Reservation and Olympic National Park. This is a great place to spot them as they cruise from the waters of the Pacific Ocean to the excellent hunting grounds of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, that runs between Washington and Canada and on to the San Juan Islands.
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
How do I know it’s ethical?
Given you view the whales from land, you have no impact on them whatsoever- you simply show up along the coastline, binoculars in hand, and hope to see a pod of orcas cruising through the water!
Description of the Experience
While you can theoretically see orcas all year round along the Washington coastline, your best chance of seeing them is from mid-May through mid-October, as transient pods of orcas pass.
There are indeed whale-watching tours that will take you out on the water to see orcas around Washington’s San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound. However, they’re growing increasingly controversial, given the endangered status of Washington’s resident orcas, which have genetically evolved to only survive on fish, instead of mammals. While restrictions on whale-watching tours are constantly growing more stringent in Washington, proponents argue that whale-watching tours are disturbing the resident orcas, causing further decline to their already dwindling population.
If you don’t want to take the risk of sussing out which tours are truly ethical, simply view the orcas from the coastline, especially someplace with a high vantage point. For example, the Cape Flattery trail will take you to the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, which towers over 60 feet above the crashing waves below. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding water, the Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Rescue, which is home to seals, otters, and yes, even orcas!
You can spend hours out on Cape Flattery, scanning for wildlife and taking in the incredible views of the rugged sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see.
Company/ Cost:
To hike the Cape Flattery trail, you’ll need to pick up one Makah Tribe Recreational Pass per vehicle for $20, which is good for the calendar year that it’s purchased. Otherwise, you just need your own two feet, a sense of adventure, and binoculars to see these incredible creatures!
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
