In 1894, the US Government allotted the land that now is Depoe Bay to a Siletz Indian named Charlie Depot. His last name was derived from his employment at the US Army Depot close to Depoe Bay. Charlie’s family later changed the spelling to Depoe; which was the spelling used when the post office was established in 1928. Depoe Bay always has been, a small fishing village located half way between Lincoln City and Newport on the Central Oregon Coast. Northeast Pacific Coast Highway 101 runs directly through the middle of town, with spectacular views, no matter where you are in Depoe Bay. The full-time population of Depoe Bay has approximately 1300 residents. Charter fishing and whale watching boats can be on the open sea literally within minutes. We are proud to boast that the Depoe Bay harbor is the smallest navigable harbor in the world! A sea wall runs almost the full length of town and is known for our spouting horns: lava rock formations that turn crashing waves into plumes of water on stormy days. The spouting horns can shoot sprays of water into the air as high as 60’ during turbulent seas. Our Bed and Breakfasts and Inns in Depoe Bay choose to capture the atmosphere of the past and all of our Bed and Breakfasts and Inns have top-notch customer service and hospitality. Our fairy tale fishing village has numerous gift shops and galleries, featuring maritime collectibles, fine art, beach and formal wear and the freshest salt-water taffy, caramel corn and candy available. Look through the window and watch taffy be pulled on old-fashioned taffy machines. It doesn’t get much fresher than that! Depoe Bay doesn’t go to sleep in the winter either! Gray Whales migrate right past Depoe Bay on their way from the Bering Sea to Baja California, Mexico. A resident pod of Gray Whales make Depoe Bay their home year round. “Thar be whales in Depoe Bay”. Whale watching is definitely spoken here! And true to Depoe Bay’s history, “Thar be pirates in Depoe Bay too! Aaargh!” Watch the whales frolic and feed in our bay, explore the tide pools and experience the ultimate power of the surf. Take big deep breaths of salt air and comb the nearby beaches during low tide. You don’t need your suits and briefcases here. Loosen your tie and let your hair down. If you want a nostalgic vacation and see the original old coast, come to Depoe Bay and stay in one of our Bed and Breakfasts or Inns. We prefer the “old coast”, with old-fashioned hospitality and charm.