Juvenile Whale Swims Up Willapa River in Southwest Washington

The unexpected appearance of the whale in the freshwater river has drawn crowds of spectators.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:57am

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A small whale, possibly a juvenile gray whale, has made its way miles up the Willapa River in north Pacific County, Washington, attracting many spectators to the area. This is highly unusual for a gray whale, as they typically stay in the ocean and only occasionally venture into Willapa Bay to forage. The whale's presence in the freshwater river may be putting its life in danger.

Why it matters

Gray whales are a protected species, and their appearance in a freshwater river is an extremely rare occurrence. This event has sparked excitement and concern among local residents, as the whale's location in the river could be hazardous to its health and safety.

The details

Witnesses reported seeing the whale in the Willapa River near the bridges at Alexander/Camp One and Camp One/Mill Creek. Video footage posted on social media by local resident Cindy Wimberley shows the whale exhaling at the surface of the water. The Chinook Observer's north county correspondent, Jeff Clemens, is on the scene, and the U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network has joined the search for the whale.

  • The whale was first spotted in the Willapa River around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • As of 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a small plane was overhead, and the U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network had joined the search for the whale.

The players

Cindy Wimberley

A local resident who posted video footage of the whale on social media.

Jeff Clemens

The Chinook Observer's north county correspondent, who is on the scene reporting on the whale's presence in the Willapa River.

U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network

A network of organizations that responds to reports of stranded or distressed marine mammals, which has joined the search for the whale in the Willapa River.

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What’s next

The U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network is working to monitor the whale's location and condition, and to determine the best course of action to ensure the whale's safe return to the ocean.

The takeaway

The unexpected appearance of a gray whale in the Willapa River has captivated the local community and raised concerns about the whale's well-being. This rare event highlights the need for continued conservation efforts and vigilance in protecting marine wildlife, even in unexpected places.