Exploration in Washington shifted from Gray's Harbor to Puget Sound where drilling is scheduled in 1972. In Oregon 1 unsuccessful exploratory well was drilled in Crook County, and geophysical surveys were conducted in the eastern part of the state where drilling is likely in 1972. In California a sharp decline in drilling for oil was partly offset by a significant increase in drilling for gas. Twenty exploratory wells, including 3 new-field wildcats were successful in finding oil. However, total credited additions to crude reserves were only 22.4% of current annual production. Six exploratory wells were successful in finding or extending gas pools, but a new gas field was not discovered. Development drilling declined, as did production of both oil and gas. Oil production ell below 1 million b/d for the first time since 1967. Exploration for geothermal steam has become a major activity in the West Coast states and should increase after federal lands are made available in 1972.