Where to Watch Puget Sound’s Native Orca Population

The cold waters of Puget Sound are a perfect environment for orcas. These killer whales feed on the salmon that come into the sound. Unfortunately, Orcas are an endangered species, and the pod that returns each year keeps getting smaller. The orcas return to the sound each spring, and there are several places in the area where you can see them both from the water and from land.

Point Defiance

If you want to stay on land to see the orcas, head to Point Defiance. There are several places along Five Mile Drive right in Point Defiance Park where you can see south Vashon Island. The whales often navigate around the island as they travel down through the sound. Early in the season, you might even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale that sticks around a little longer for its season.

Point No Point

Point No Point on the northeast point of the Kitsap Peninsula that faces the Admiralty Inlet. This area is a great place to see all kinds of species in and around the water including the orcas. They pass fairly close to the shore as they come into the sound so you can get a good look at them. Point No Point is also a popular spot for bird-watchers and offers one of the most extensive lists of species in Washington.

Take A Whale Watching Tour

There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Puget Sound. Most of the excursions last about three to four hours and will guarantee that you’ll see whales. The captains of these boats all know the area and know the places where the whales go so you are likely to see orcas or some other whales while you are out.

Thomas Hladky Memorial Park

Many Seattle residents refer to Thomas Hladky Memorial Park as Whale Bell Park because of the large brass bell that visitors ring every time they see a whale. Several different species of whales pass through the Saratoga Passage, and the bell is a fun way to announce the presence of whales. You’ll find the park at 100 Anthes Ave in Langley, and it is accessible by car, bus, and by ferry.

Point Robinson

If you can leave the mainland for a trip to see the orca, hop on the ferry over to Vashon Island. Point Robinson sits between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound and connects Maury Island to Vashon Island. There is easy access to the beach where you can go for some of the best whale watching because when the orcas are out in the sound, they will sometimes pass as close as 50 feet from the shore. There is also a lighthouse on the beach worth visiting, and some spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

Even though the number of orcas that come back to the sound each year is diminishing, they are still a sight to see. Keep an eye and an ear out for the daily sightings to make sure to head to the right spot.

Image via Ingrid Taylar | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

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