VIEWING GUIDE
View our guide on when, where, and how to watch marine animals from shore.
Based out of West Seattle, the Whale Trail was founded in 2008. Sixteen inaugural sites were chosen throughout Washington, and the Whale Trail continues to expand it’s range every year. Check out the Whale Trail’s timeline to explore the history of the organization from our origin in Washington and beyond.
The Whale Trail
Washington Timeline
Springer (A73) Rescued
Orphaned orca A73 Springer discovered near Seattle. Six months later she was successfully rescued, rehabilitated and reunited with her family on the north end of Vancouver Island. Orphan Orca Fund leads community fundraising efforts.
First Signs Installed
Whale Trail inaugurated at Salt Creek Recreation Area with welcome by Lower Elwha Klallam tribe. Signs funded by ALEA grant.
First Orca Talk
John Calambokidis launches our long-running lecture series with a talk about gray whales, held at the Duwamish Longhouse
PTMSC Sign, and Orca Bingo!
Our largest sign is hung on the exterior wall of PTMSC. We invent Orca Bingo and play for the first time at the sign dedication!
Washington State Ferry Signs
Two signs posted on every Washington State ferry and one at every terminal!
West Seattle Signs Added
Four new signs funded by City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF)
Orca Steward Program Piloted
Citizen steward training in West Seattle funded by City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund
Celebrate Springer 2012
Tenth anniversary of Springer’s homecoming celebrated in Seattle, Vancouver, and Telegraph Cove, BC
Whale Trail Hosts Erich Hoyt
Author and marine conservationist gives his first lecture in PNW in more than 40 years.
Kalaloch – First Sign on Pacific Coast
New signs including Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park (ONP) installed in partnership with OCNMS and ONP.
Orca Tour 2014
TWT produces lecture tour featuring Erich Hoyt. We travel from Saturna BC to Monterey CA – 9 cities, 4 states, 2 countries in 2 weeks. Co-hosted by SIMRES, ACS Oregon, PTMSC, OCNMS, NMS West Coast Region and the Georgia Strait Alliance. We travel with Mike, a life-size replica of J26!
Orca Tour 2015
A new tour with Erich Hoyt, featuring stops in Saturna, Sydney, Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle.
Springer seen with Second Calf
DFO team spots Springer, Spirit and a new calf in Whale Channel!
Celebrate Springer 2017
Team gathers on Vashon Island and Telegraph Cove to celebrate 15th anniversary!
3 new signs in Washington
Faye Bainbridge, Point Robinson and Point Defiance. Funded by WDFW Enforcement.