Drilling activity in the West Coast region in 1987 showed little improvement over 1986, as crude oil and gas prices remained low. A total of 208 exploratory wells were drilled, with explorationists logging 5 new-field discoveries and an overall success rate of 26%.

Exploration activity in offshore California continued to decline in 1987 with only 3 new wildcats drilled and no reported discoveries. Operators meanwhile concentrated their efforts on the development of the giant Point Arguello and Point Pedernales fields and continued their efforts to obtain necessary permits to bring on-line the additional reserves discovered in the early 1980s.

Exploration activity in the onshore California basins increased slightly in 1987 with 195 wells drilled compared to 189 in 1986. Explorationists scored 49 discoveries consisting of 5 new fields, 13 new pools, and 32 extensions.

Drilling activity in Oregon and Washington continued to decline in 1987 with only 10 exploratory wells, 2 fewer than in 1986. Seven of these wells were completed as gas producers at Mist field in Oregon.

Geothermal activity in California increased by 22% in 1987, halting the downward trend set over the past few years. Activity was again concentrated at The Geysers field with the completion of 39 new wells in 1987.