On the central Oregon Coast, near the small town of Yachats, the steep headland of Cape Perpetua towers above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean below.
Within this incredibly scenic area, you’ll find access to some of the most curious wave attractions on Oregon’s rocky shoreline with names like Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn, Cook’s Chasm and Devil’s Churn.
Read on for helpful tips on how to visit Cape Perpetua and safely see Thor’s Well and other nearby sights on the central Oregon Coast.
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Where is Thor’s Well?
Directions to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Thor’s Well is in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area about 6 minutes south of the town of Yachats on the central Oregon Coast. Yachats is a small coastal town located in Lincoln County, about 3 hours driving from Portland (150 mi/240 km). One route is to take I-5 south to Highway 20 west to Newport, then head south on Highway 101 to Yachats.
If there are traffic delays on I-5, an alternative route is to take 99W to Highway 18 west. Then take Highway 101 south at the Otis junction, north of Lincoln City.
How to Find Thor's Well
To get to Thor’s Well, park in one of the lots near the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and walk toward Cook’s Chasm and Spouting Horn. The Captain Cook Trail is an easy, half-mile, paved walking loop that takes you to Thor’s Well, Cook’s Chasm, Spouting Horn and the tide pool area. Stop in at the Visitor Center for trail maps or more information.
See Cape Perpetua Scenic Area for more details.
What is Thor’s Well?
Thor’s Well is a collapsed sea cave off the coast of Oregon that deceivingly looks like a hole in the Pacific Ocean. Also called the “drainpipe of the Pacific,” the hole is roughly 20 feet deep with another hole in the bottom that allows water to flow through creating a drain-like effect.
When is the Best Time to See Thor’s Well?
Check tide tables before you go and arrive just before high tide to see the most action. As a wave comes in, the hole fills from the bottom and water spurts and surges out of the top. When the waves go out, the water appears to drain back down the hole. Winter storms bring bigger waves but use extreme caution near the shoreline where sneaker waves can strike.
Essential Beach Safety for the Oregon Coast
The ocean waves in Oregon are very powerful and unpredictable. Please enjoy the beaches safely and follow these guidelines.
- Know the tide schedule and always keep an eye on the tide level.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Volcanic rocks are sharp and will scrape your skin easily. Rocky areas of coastline can also be very slippery.
- Don’t get too close. Sneaker waves strike out of nowhere on the Oregon Coast and are dangerously fast and powerful. Don’t turn your back to the ocean.
- Rip currents are strong undertows that can sweep you off your feet and pull you out to sea in seconds. Admire the ocean from a safe distance or stay in shallow, calm water.
Stay back from cliff edges as erosion can cause the ground to become unstable and crumble. Beware of falling rocks, stay behind safety fences, stay off jetties and heed warning signs to stay on trails.
More Things to Do in Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is one of the most impressive natural areas on the Oregon Coast and includes 26 miles of trails and over 2,700 acres of coastal rainforest. While you’re in the area, explore Cook’s Chasm and see the small arched bridge and geyser-like Spouting Horn. Don’t miss the tide pools filled with starfish, sea anemones and chattering barnacles. Devil’s Churn is another great spot to watch crashing waves.
Drive up the winding road to the Cape Perpetua Overlook for a spectacular view on a clear day. The top of the cape is the highest point accessible by car on the entire coast at 800 feet above sea level.
While you’re up there, take the short walk out to the old stone shelter for even more amazing views up to 40 miles out to sea. The structure was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was used as an observation post during World War II.
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Visit the Town of Yachats, Oregon
Pronounced “YAH-hots,” a Siletz Indian word meaning “dark water at the foot of the mountain,” the town of Yachats, Oregon sits at the edge of the black rocky coastline. Find things to do in Yachats, along with places to stay and eat in this “Gem of the Oregon Coast.”
Explore Heceta Head Lighthouse
From Thor’s Well, head south about 15 minutes to Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. Explore Hobbit Beach and the hiking trails that surround the scenic area.
Continue heading south to the town of Florence and wander the Oregon Dunes or visit some of the Best Beaches on the Southern Oregon Coast.
Heading north? Be sure to stop in Newport, one of the best coastal towns to visit in Oregon.
🥾 Find more Activities and Attractions on the Oregon Coast and get ideas for things to see and do.
