A visit to Oregon’s coast typically includes plenty of wildlife viewing. Take a hike to see Roosevelt elk and blacktail deer, scan the sea for whales, and keep an eye out along the coastline for sea birds, seals, and sea lions. For a truly unique wildlife adventure, check out these Oregon Sea Lion Caves near Florence. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might see hundreds of Steller sea lions.

The next time you find yourself on the coast, stop in at the Oregon Sea Lion Caves. It's just a 22-minute drive north from Florence, and it's right on Highway 101. It was one of my favorite stops that we made on our Oregon Coast road trip.
Sea Lion Caves/Facebook
The lobby and gift shop are located high on a cliff 300 feet above the water, so to get to this Oregon sea cave, you'll take an elevator.
TheLucky44/Tripadvisor
This huge cave was formed about 25 million years ago. The soaring, vaulted ceiling of this sea cave is 125 feet tall, and the cave measures 1,315 feet long - the longest in America.
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The floor of the cave covers two acres, and waves wash in and out of it all day long. It's the perfect spot for Steller sea lions to hang out, and a herd of around 200 live in the area.
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I definitely stood here for about 45 minutes getting tons of sea lion caves photos as well as some great video. You might be surprised to hear that these sea lions actually roar!
I even stood here for a while too so that I wasn't hogging up the front of the viewing platform.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
But then went back down to the front for another 20 minutes.
This Oregon sea cave is the only known mainland rookery and hauling (breeding and wintering) place for Steller sea lions, and depending on the time of year, you'll see hundreds of them here.
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Stellar sea lions live 20-30 years. Males can be up to 2,500 pounds, and females are typically around 700 pounds.
You're most likely to see lots of sea lions during the winter and spring months. When you visit Sea Lion Caves, the staff there can tell you if there are sea lions in the cave that day.
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This isn't a zoo - the sea lions come and go as they please, so on some days, there might be hundreds of sea lions in the caves, and other days there might be a few dozen. Sometimes there are no sea lions at all in this Oregon Sea Lion Cave.

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If you're visiting during the summer and fall months, no worries! You can still see the sea lions. Take a stroll down to the viewing platforms and peer over the edge.
Dale H/Tripadvisor
Actually, some of my favorite sea lion caves photos came from this viewpoint!
The rocky area at the base of the cliff is a rookery. This is where the Steller sea lions mate, give birth, and raise their young. Bulls establish territory on the rookery, and defend it from other males.
Sea Lion Caves/Facebook
You might see sea lion pups being tended by their mothers, and you'll see all the sea lions socializing and basking in the sun down there...
travelontheroad08530/Tripadvisor
...and watch them frolicking and swimming in the ocean. Steller sea lions can swim up to 17 mph.
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Also, keep an eye out for sea birds and whales! I wasn't lucky enough to see any when I visited this sea cave, but hopefully you will be!
There are also some truly incredible ocean views.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
While we certainly spent a great deal of time watching the sea lions, we also made several stops to take in all these views.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
Make sure you block out a nice chunk of time so that you can take this all in at a leisurely pace.
The Oregon Sea Lion Caves is open year-round, and it's well worth your time to visit.
Sea Lion Caves/Facebook

Learn more by visiting the website for the Sea Lion Caves and make sure to follow its Facebook page to see the latest updates.

Have you visited this spot? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments!

Aside from the sea caves, there is so much to do along Highway 101 in Oregon. If you’re taking a road trip, make sure you have all the road trip essentials.

Looking for more wildlife on the coast? Visit this little beach near Newport. It doesn’t have any sand, but it does have plenty of seals and sea birds.

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More to Explore

Animals of Oregon

Rachel Raimondi | September 23, 2023

What are the best aquariums in Oregon?

The sea caves are certainly an awesome day trip in Oregon, but there is more to see! Check out some of the best aquariums in Oregon:

Oregon Coast Aquarium: You’ll find this aquarium over in Newport. One of its most famous claims to fame is that from 1996 to 1998, it was home to Keiko, the killer whale from the 1993 movie Free Willy. The aquarium was opened in 1992 and features exhibits like Coastal Waters, the Seabird Aviary, and much more.

Seaside Aquarium: Head to Seaside to see this aquarium that is popularly known for its “tsunami fish.” There are over 100 species of animals to see here, like seals and urchins. And be sure to book an experience feeding the seals.

What are the best zoos in Oregon?

It’s not just all Oregon sea caves here. Be sure to head to some of the best zoos in Oregon:

Great Cats World Park: At this 11-acre park in Cave Junction, you’ll find…you guessed it, cats! Opened in 2005, here you’ll find more than 50 cats from Amur leopards to white Bengal tigers to bobcats.

Oregon Zoo: Established back in 1888, this 64-acre zoo is home to over 1,800 different animals, like African painted dogs, snowy owls, and polar bears. In between observing the animals, consider other activities like roaming the wildlife garden, hopping on the zoo train, or riding the carousel.

What are the best animal encounters in Oregon?

Still want to see more animals other than those in the Oregon sea lion caves? Check out these animal encounters in Oregon:

Marquam Hill Ranch: Head to this farm in Molalla to see more than 75 alpacas that call it home. You can observe and feed them and also get an education on how they are bred and cared for.

Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary: You’ll find this spot in Scio. This farm animal rescue is home to an abundance of abused and neglected farm animals like sheep, pigs, horses, cows, and more.

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Sea Lion Caves, 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, USA