Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Oregon
February, May and June is the best time to see mountain lions in Oregon. Based on 513 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions 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 June 28, 2026.
Mountain Lion · Hilary Rose Dawson CC BY
Mountain Lion · Erin Conte CC BY
Mountain Lion · Public domain CC0
513 verified observations of mountain lions in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
February
104 records (20.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28 | 5.5% |
| Februarypeak | 104 | 20.3% |
| March | 48 | 9.4% |
| April | 41 | 8% |
| Maypeak | 57 | 11.1% |
| Junepeak | 55 | 10.7% |
| July | 31 | 6% |
| August | 35 | 6.8% |
| September | 27 | 5.3% |
| October | 25 | 4.9% |
| November | 23 | 4.5% |
| December | 39 | 7.6% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 513 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mountain lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain lions sit around 22 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Febbest time | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| Maybest time | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Junbest time | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Oregon peak in February, when 104 of the year's 513 verified observations are logged — about 20.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, May and June.
The quietest stretch is November, October and September, when mountain lions are hardest to find — November sees just 23 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain lions you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Mountain Lion — 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 mountain lions 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Oregon?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, May and June, based on 513 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Oregon?+
November is the quietest month for mountain lions in Oregon, with only 23 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Oregon?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Oregon