Best Time to See Bats in Oregon
August, July and September is the best time to see bats in Oregon. Based on 1,013 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bats are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
1,013 verified observations of bats in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bats are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
August
220 records (21.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | 2% |
| February | 28 | 2.8% |
| March | 44 | 4.3% |
| April | 53 | 5.2% |
| May | 119 | 11.7% |
| June | 130 | 12.8% |
| Julypeak | 164 | 16.2% |
| Augustpeak | 220 | 21.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 152 | 15% |
| October | 51 | 5% |
| November | 17 | 1.7% |
| December | 15 | 1.5% |
Bats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | 109 |
| Little Brown Bat | 103 |
| Townsend's Big-eared Bat | 81 |
| Silver-haired Bat | 47 |
| California Myotis | 35 |
| Long-eared Myotis | 31 |
| Northern Hoary Bat | 23 |
| Yuma Myotis | 13 |
Sightings of bats in Oregon peak in August, when 220 of the year's 1,013 verified observations are logged — about 21.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and September.
The quietest stretch is December, November and January, when bats are hardest to find — December sees just 15 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bats you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bat and Townsend's Big-eared Bat — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see bats in Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Plan your bat trip in Oregon
Start with live tours near Crater Lake National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Crater Lake National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bat viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Crater Lake National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bat viewing area in Oregon.
Viator
Broader backupBook a bat tour in Oregon
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bats in Oregon?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and September, based on 1,013 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bats hardest to see in Oregon?+
December is the quietest month for bats in Oregon, with only 15 verified records.
Are bats active year-round in Oregon?+
Bats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see bats
More wildlife in Oregon