Sharks in Oregon in August

Yes, August is one of the best months to see sharks in Oregon. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 55 of the 501 sightings logged across the year (11%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Salmon Shark photographed in OregonSalmon Shark photographed in OregonShortfin Mako photographed in Oregon
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for sharks in Oregon

11%

of yearly sightings

55

records in August

#3

busiest month of 12

501

verified records a year

July 10.8%, August 11%, September 14.8%. Busiest month is September at 14.8%.

Best months: September, October, August

501 verified observations of sharks in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When sharks are recorded in Oregon

Peak month

September

74 records (14.8% of the year)

Quietest month

February

25 records

MonthObservationsShare
January326.4%
February255%
March306%
April306%
May255%
June255%
July5410.8%
Augustpeak5511%
Septemberpeak7414.8%
Octoberpeak6312.6%
November5511%
December336.6%

Sharks you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Big Skate330
Salmon Shark34
Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark14
Longnose Skate11
Blue Shark8
California Skate4
School Shark3
Pacific Sleeper Shark3

In Oregon, August carries 11% of the year's sharks sightings, about 2.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity holds steady between July and August, and it heads toward September (14.8%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so August is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The sharks most often recorded in Oregon are Big Skate, Salmon Shark and Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.

Which sharks you are most likely to see

  • Big Skate330 records
  • Salmon Shark34 records
  • Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark14 records
  • Longnose Skate11 records
  • Blue Shark8 records
  • California Skate4 records
Plan your tripCrater Lake National Park

Plan your shark 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see sharks in Oregon in August?+

Yes. August accounts for 55 of the 501 verified sharks sightings logged in Oregon across the year, which is 11% of the annual total.

Is August a good time to see sharks in Oregon?+

August is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of September, October and August.

What month is best for sharks in Oregon?+

September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, October and August, based on 501 verified observations.

Which sharks are you most likely to see in Oregon?+

The most-recorded species in Oregon are Big Skate, Salmon Shark and Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.