A migrating gray whale is spotted off the coast of Curry County in Oregon. Each year, nearly 20,000 gray whales swim to warmer waters along the coast from mid-December to mid-January.(Rick Francona/WesCom News Service file photo)

The exodus of gray whales heading south along the Oregon Coast is beginning.

Each year, from mid-December to mid-January, around 20,000 whales swim from the cold Alaskan seas to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico.

The mass migration creates the potential for one of nature’s most dramatic views.

“On the right day, and at the right location, you can see up to 40 whales per hour,” said Luke Parsons, park ranger at the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. “It’s pretty amazing when that happens.”

The height of migrations coincides with Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Dec. 31, trained volunteers will help visitors spot the 36-ton mammal at 24 locations.

While much of the success in whale watching is patience — the willingness to keep your binoculars focused on the ocean — there are a few places and tips that can help improve odds, Parsons said.

In winter, the whales are swimming a bit farther from shore. That makes the best locations those higher in elevation, where you can see farther out into the ocean.

A few places with the highest success rates include Cape Meares (near Tillamook), Neahkahnie Mountain (Tillamook), The Inn at Spanish Head (Lincoln City), Cape Foulweather (Depoe Bay) and Shore Acres (Coos Bay).

“The whales stay farther out in winter because it’s a little easier for them to navigate in the deeper water,” Parsons said. “They’re in a hurry. They’re headed down to Baja to either breed or give birth, and don’t want to miss the party.”

The second major factor in spotting whales is weather. A clear and sunny morning with low winds is best, Parsons said.

“The number of whales that people see really spikes on clear days,” he said. “But in the end, it’s just about having binoculars and staying with it. Patience is often rewarded.”