Best Time to See Pelicans in Oregon
August, June and September is the best time to see pelicans in Oregon. Based on 3,736 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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.
3,736 verified observations of pelicans in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
August
584 records (15.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 57 | 1.5% |
| February | 31 | 0.8% |
| March | 93 | 2.5% |
| April | 348 | 9.3% |
| May | 524 | 14% |
| Junepeak | 558 | 14.9% |
| July | 513 | 13.7% |
| Augustpeak | 584 | 15.6% |
| Septemberpeak | 546 | 14.6% |
| October | 317 | 8.5% |
| November | 127 | 3.4% |
| December | 38 | 1% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 1,993 |
| American White Pelican | 1,737 |
Sightings of pelicans in Oregon peak in August, when 584 of the year's 3,736 verified observations are logged — about 15.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, June and September.
The quietest stretch is February and December, when pelicans are hardest to find — February sees just 31 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican — 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 pelicans 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Crater Lake National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Oregon?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, June and September, based on 3,736 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Oregon?+
February is the quietest month for pelicans in Oregon, with only 31 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Oregon?+
Pelicans 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 pelicans
More wildlife in Oregon