Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
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16 within 3 miles
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15 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,196 reviews
Excellent
1,054
Very good
127
Average
12
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2
Terrible
1
James c
Oklahoma City, OK414 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
This entire area is just breathtaking. This is probably the best stop on the otegon coast. First do Thor's well area where there are tide pools with many starfish. Thor's well is just mesmerizing , as you watch the ocean water rise in and drift out. I could have watched for hours!
There are blueberries and raspberry bushes all along the ground above.
You then drive about an eight of a mile to devils churn which is another geological formation and a wonder in itself. Make sure you have good tread on your shoes for this place especially if you're gonna hike down to the formations. I would come back to oregon just to see this place with sunshine as our day was cloudy and a little drizzle. These weather conditions by no means took away from the scenery
There are blueberries and raspberry bushes all along the ground above.
You then drive about an eight of a mile to devils churn which is another geological formation and a wonder in itself. Make sure you have good tread on your shoes for this place especially if you're gonna hike down to the formations. I would come back to oregon just to see this place with sunshine as our day was cloudy and a little drizzle. These weather conditions by no means took away from the scenery
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
27 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This was an amazing experience. We chose to drive up to the viewpoint instead of hiking it because the weather was raining on and off. You take the turnoff for Cape Perpetua campground, but stay on the road to the left. A couple miles in, you'll see a turnoff to the left for Cape Perpetua lookout. There is a parking area and (not so clean) porta potty, along with some picnic tables. The trail is off the left side of the parking area. There's a couple of branch offs along the trail, but I think they all loop around to the same place. I believe the main trail is called "whispering spruce" and another loop off it called "Amanda's trail". The main trail leads to an old Civil Servant lookout that was used during WWII for a lookout. The trail itself is quite easy, but there are a couple of sections with mossy steps, so not a good plan for anyone with mobility issues. If you want more of a workout, there's a pullout on the north side of the road right after the fork with the campground. You can park there and hike up to where the trail connects with the trail from the parking area. It appears steep and a good physical challenge, although it was a gentleman who appeared to be in his 70's who told us about the trail as he was hiking up it. The view from the top seems endless. It's a much better part of the coast to see than the typical tourist viewpoints along the main highway. Well worth the effort!
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,119 contributions
Jul 2021
The Cape Perpetua Area pertains to different sites (Sprouting Horn, Thor's Well, Devil's Churn). Each one is worth a stop but there might be some issues with parking because the area is quite popular.
There are no Day Use fees for any of these sites and it is worth a stop nor does it require a huge amount of effort. Even when we came on Monday 7/26 in the middle of the afternoon, the area was quite crowded.
There are no Day Use fees for any of these sites and it is worth a stop nor does it require a huge amount of effort. Even when we came on Monday 7/26 in the middle of the afternoon, the area was quite crowded.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kevan j
Norman, OK1,504 contributions
Jul 2023
There are lots of beautiful places in this area. I recommend driving up to the Cape Perpetua Lookout and making the absolutely amazing short hike out to the stone hut at the Cape Perpetua Overlook. The road up is a lot of fun. Head east for about a half mile on NFD 55 and turn left onto the steep and windy Cape Perpetua Lookout Road. Follow this road for a little less than a mile and you're there. The views from here are spectacular. We hiked the little loop trail out to the stone hut built by the CCC. All along the way, we could look down on the ocean from above with towering vistas both north and south along the coast as well as out to sea. Very few people there...we had it pretty much to ourselves. Highly recommended!
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah Davis
Cookeville, TN50 contributions
Aug 2019
We visited this area (specifically Devil's Churn and Thor's Well) at high tide in mid-August. According to some locals that were also there, it was a particularly calm high tide. Even with this, we saw the "breathing" of Thor's Well and the crashing of waves at Devil's Churn. We took the Restless Waters Trail and saw a unique landscape and some tide pool critters. We also hung around the Spouting Horn area and saw lots of large waves crashing, but did not witness the actual "horn spouting". As many have already mentioned, I would be sure to check the tide tables and try to line up your visit with high tide. We didn't spend a lot of time here, but it was definitely worth the stop.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce V
Penticton, Canada36 contributions
Feb 2023
Spectacular vistas and the power of the ocean are the draws here. We did this on a REALLY bad weather day in February during a big winter storm, so if you are looking for something to do when the weather is really crappy, this is it. All three sites we visited are within a fifteen minute drive south of Yachats on Hwy 101. We were intending to walk down to Devil's Churn and Cook's Chasm/Thor's Well but the driving rain and hail was too nasty. Fortunately there are marked viewpoints right on the highway that provide good views of both. It also worth driving up to the top of the day use area at the park visitors centre where you get a fabulous view of the whole coast. A great way to kill a couple of hours. The blow holes and Devil's Churn are most active at high tide.
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheyb29
Salt Lake City, UT156 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited at low tide so we got to see tide pools but I bet that Thor’s Well at high tide would be breath taking. I was still amazed by it and Devil’s Churn as well as the view of the ocean. The orange things on the rock are starfish and we also saw crab. It’s gorgeous and majestic and was my favorite stop on the coast.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lyleh1959
25 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited the Devil’s Churn, Cooks Trail, the tide pools, Horn Spout, Cape Cove and the rock outlook. Actually just stumbled upon the area as we were driving the coast highway. Highly recommend as a place to stretch your legs and spend some time exploring!
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MacRanger
Twin Falls, ID306 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
It’s worth taking the time to hike the trails to Thor’s Well, The Spouting Horn at Cooks Chasm and the Devils Churn. There’s more wave action when nearing high tide. Turn East off of Hwy101 at the campgrounds and stay left (not entering the campgrounds to drive to the highest viewpoint on the Oregon Coast (800 ft). It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to the west Shelter Observation Point which was constructed for WW II. It’s a spectacular view on a clear day.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,983 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Stop in at the visitor centre to pick up a map of hikes and what you can see in the area.
We hiked the moderately steep St Perpetua trail ( 3 mile return) to the overlook for fabulous coastal views - you can see along the coast for 35 miles on a clear day. There is also a short 0.2 mile circular trail at the top where elks and eagles are often spotted, although we didn't see any.
We also hiked the 0.8 mile round trip to Cooks Chasm where you can see the Spouting Horn and drove around a mile to the parking area to walk down to the Devils Churn. Both are interesting but only really worthwhile around high tide.
We hiked the moderately steep St Perpetua trail ( 3 mile return) to the overlook for fabulous coastal views - you can see along the coast for 35 miles on a clear day. There is also a short 0.2 mile circular trail at the top where elks and eagles are often spotted, although we didn't see any.
We also hiked the 0.8 mile round trip to Cooks Chasm where you can see the Spouting Horn and drove around a mile to the parking area to walk down to the Devils Churn. Both are interesting but only really worthwhile around high tide.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
if not planning on doing any hiking, are the main attractions easily accessible from a car and some walking? what is the entry fee for the area? thanks!
Written March 22, 2020
Agree with the other comments - easy off/on from highway; parking is good, but on beautiful days fills up fast. Trails are easy, but yes, if you go down, you must come back up again:-)
Written March 23, 2020
Bonjour, nous souhaitons faire des randonnées au Cape Perpetua à la fin du mois d'août. Pouvez-vous me dire si nous pouvons accéder au parc en-dehors des heures d'ouverture du Visitor Center ou si nous devons attendre l'ouverture à 9 h 30 le matin. Merci.
Written June 15, 2019
Can anyone tell me if travelling from Seattle to LA in a motorhome is a good idea in late August/early Sept. How easy is it to just stop at a site without booking.
Written January 16, 2019
You probably be fine after labor day weekend. You should have no problems and fires should not be in your way, as most of the fires are from July to August.
I hope I was of help.
Rob Chaffart
Written January 17, 2019
Sharon, you should read the recent reviews of the place! There’s a lot of information in those, including fees. I’m not sure how people got away with no fees (unless they were just driving by), but as others have said, it’s a $5 per car fee for the day. We were just there last week. This fee helps the state maintain the parks for us to continue enjoying in the future, and this place is worth it.
Written April 4, 2018
About how far off The Captain Cook Trail is Spouting Horn and Thor's Well? My husband and I have a 5 year old, 3 year old, and a 1 year old. (Our 1 year old will be riding in a hiking backpack.) Are these sites suitable for little children to hike?
Written March 23, 2018
Thor's Well and the spouting horn are easily accessible and viewable from the parking areas on Hwy 101. They are just south of the Cape Perpetua entrance. All the trails I've been on could be easily trekked by young kids, or with a toddler on your back. Use your best judgement if they are muddy though. Have fun!
Written March 24, 2018
Is there any kind of hike here? How much of walking is involved from parking lot?
Written February 21, 2018
If you have any challenges, there are lots you can park in and walk along the beach. That is magnificent in itself, as this has the feel of a virgin Pacific coast section. Starfish, blow holes, surf crashing on rocks, but a broad beach to see it from. From the higher lot you can walk to an overlook in a short walk. Very nice. From the top you can walk down as far as you would like, and then return to the lot. Many options.
Written February 21, 2018
Hello,
How long of a visit is typical for Cape Perpetua, just to get a good feel for the beauty of the area, not doing much hiking or anything like that.
Thanks!
Jodi
Written January 26, 2016
I would budget at least 1/2 day to do it right. Visitor Center, tide pools, overlook, Cooks Chasm, Devils Churn, Thor's well. Enjoy your time on the beautiful Oregon Coast.
Written January 28, 2016
Are dogs allowed in Cape Perpetua campsite?
Written July 13, 2015
Yes, dogs are permitted in the campgrounds but as noted must be leashed. I took my dog on the short hike to the Oldest Spruce, on leash of course, as well as to the various trails by the viewpoints. There were folks taking their dogs down to the tide pools which I don't think is a great idea either for you or your puppy--very slippery and sometimes sharp rocks. Outside of the Visitor Center, they also have puppy friendly bowls for water.
Written July 14, 2015
Can I take our 27' Motor Home, safely, to the top of the Yachats, OR Cape Perpetula Outlook?
Thanks.
Written May 7, 2015
Karla--Yes you can take it! Weekends of course would be a bit more crowded to find a long enough spot to park in, but during the week you should be fine! Enjoy!
Written May 8, 2015
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