Oh my gosh, you guys. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited to see a place than Cape Perpetua in Yachats, Oregon. When I first started researching our Oregon trip, one of the first photos I saw was at Cape Perpetua. I knew right then and there I absolutely had to see this place for myself. I don’t even know if I can describe just how awesome this sight was, with it’s steep, rocky cliffs and massive, violent waves crashing in every direction. This was like no other beach I’d ever seen.
Cape Perpetua is truly a sight to behold. The first thing you’ll spot is the Spouting Horn.
The Spouting Horn is an exploding salt water geyser that seems to come from within the cliffs at Cape Perpertua.
What causes the Spouting Horn?
The constant pounding of the waves at Cape Perpetua have worn away at the jagged, volcanic cliffs along the shore, creating tide pools, caves, and even vent holes.
When the waves crash against the cliffs, pressure builds up inside the caves to send a sky-high fountain erupting 20-45 feet into the air.
Near high tide, watch for a few moments and you are sure to see it!
And then as quickly as it comes, the fountain disappears into the ocean’s mist.
But this is the coolest thing.
This is Thor’s Well, located right along the shore at Cape Perpetua.
While exploring the many tide pools in the rocks, it’s easy to miss this gaping pit if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Until whoosh! All of a sudden the waves are crashing over the rocks and filling the well, pulling in everything in it’s path, and collapsing right back out through the bottom of the well.
It’s amazing to watch.
Cape Perpetua is most spectacular to explore when it’s also most dangerous — at high tide.
Waves come crashing over the cliffs from every direction.
Rushing over everything in it’s path.
The caves and crevices along the shore can blast waves 20 feet into the air. Be very careful here and never get too close to the edge.
The volcanic shore is covered in colorful tide pools and sea creatures.
Thousands of seashells.
Everywhere we looked.
Colorful shells.
These seashells and seaweed trees are hanging on for dear life inside Thor’s Well.
The next day we were supposed to head for Portland, but I changed our plans to spend more time at the shore. I just couldn’t pull myself away!
That morning the sea was stormy with a powerful tide.
The Well was breathtaking to watch.
Side note — We stayed at the Overleaf Lodge and Spa in Yachats. If you ever go to Yachats, this is where you have to stay! There’s an Aveda spa right in the hotel, so after a chilly, foggy morning at the coast, we bundled into the car, hurried back into the hotel and and warmed ourselves right up in their delicious sauna. Their spa is free to all guests and includes a steam room, sauna, lockers and changing rooms, flavored water, showers, and hot tubs overlooking the ocean. Of course you can also book other spa services and charge them to the room! ;) There’s also a laundry room available to guests. Our room, more like a suite, was absolutely stunning — all rooms have a private balcony overlooking the ocean, a cozy seating area with a fireplace, and a whirlpool tub that overlooks the ocean, where you can watch the sunset. (Here’s a picture from our room!) They also had the most delicious berry scones for breakfast! They literally had to drag me out of the room come check out time. I never wanted to leave!
Stormy shore at Cape Perpetua.
I would go back in a heartbeat to see this natural wonder.
Plan a Yachats Getaway!
Where to Stay
Overleaf Spa
280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats, OR
(541) 547-4885 ‎ · overleafspa.com
Heaven on earth.
Where to Eat
The Drift Inn
124 U.S. 101, Yachats, OR
(541) 547-4477‎ · the-drift-inn.com
Our meal here was delicious! Here’s a photo of my Crab and Herb Stuffed Lobster Ravioli. Go early! It can get busy. :)
Topper’s Ice Cream & Candy
153 U.S. 101, Yachats, OR
(541) 547-3273
Get local Tillamook ice cream here! It’s an Oregon must! :)
What to do
Cape Perpetua Special Interest Area, Oregon
Link to Map
There’s a pull off parking area along the coast on the 101. The path is paved and stroller/wheelchair accessible.
Follow along on our Oregon Adventure!
*Thanks so much to Travel Oregon for sending us on this adventure through Oregon!
Thank you for the awesome photos . We were at the overleaf in sept 2012 and loved it and also loved the scones! We have lots of pics of perpetua and of the whole area. My hubby asked me “don’t you think 600 pics and videos of the water/rocks is enough?” I was mesmerized !!!! Lol
I still rave about the Oregon coast. We are going to Italy in 2 weeks and enjoyed those beautiful pics also . And our next trip is to the British isles so your Scotland trip has inspired me. I love your itinerary so far. That’s just what I would enjoy. So thank you for sharing. Deb
STUNNING! I can’t stop looking at those colorful shells. Just gorgeous!!
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos.. this is one of my favourite places along the coast… we have stayed at the fireside hotel in yachats… is more affordable for us than where you were staying… did you also see the devil’s churn while you were there.. now that is an awesome place to be able to see and take pictures of… we have seen where you took your pictures and have many pictures of it as well… but seeing yours really makes me want to go back as soon as we can… enjoyed your pictures… they are so beautiful…
Love the pictures…I so want to go there now.
Gorgeous photos, now Oregon is on my list of must sees!
All my childhood holidays were spent in Cornwall, these pictures take me right back. Simply stunning.
Breath-taking photos!! Simply mind blowing :D
Wow that place looks amazing! Is the water actually that green, or is that from photo touchup?
Gorgeous. This post made me feel like I was there. Thank you for sharing your amazing trip.
Forgot, loved the shots of the ocean. Gorgeous. Got carried away about the room, the food, the goodies, need I say more enjoyed it all. Thanks Paulette
Saw the pics of your room or should I say bathroom overlooking the ocean. Calgon take me away. Paulette
When I was a kid in the 60s, my dad would make sure the family spent a few days on the Oregon coast every summer – and Yachats was our prime location to stay, usually at the Adobe Resort. Unbelieveably, the Adobe is still there! It does have a 60s look – but for me, lots of memories of playing shuffleboard and looking for stones on the beach. I’m so glad you are sharing the “left coast” with the world…it is a beautiful place.
WOW, gorgeous photos, once again!
I’m enjoying your Oregon photos. Do you have any scenery shots from Bandon?
The Oregon coast is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing! WDE!!
What a spectacularly beautiful place! We stayed in Oregon recently and I’d love to go back some day, so thanks for showcasing so much beauty. It’s always nice to add a new place to our list on the west coast — closer to home means saving some $$$ on airfare :) Gorgeous photos!
Amanda,
Just up the coast a bit north of newport is another place just like this i think it is called devils bowl. We happen to be there when the tide was out and the bowl was empty.. We had the opportunity to go inside the bowl and it was a bit scary knowing the churning water just like your photos would be returning in mere hours. It was truly amazing. Your photos capture it all so beautifully.
When you get tired of your life can I take your place?
Karen
Wow – just awesome!! Great photos, as always. Thanks for sharing! Makes me want to start planning a trip to Oregon right NOW! :)
I felt like I was there through your spectacular photos! I learned so much too. Thank you for sharing your experience~
You’re pics are breathtaking … Feels like I’m right there with you :-)
just gorgeous. I want to get in the car and go there RIGHT NOW!
You have got to have the coolest life ever.
I love Oregon! These pictures make me love it even more.
Enjoyed seeing all the pictures.
They are beyond words for me.
Wish there were some Lighthouses!!!
Your pictures are spectacular. You should work for the Oregon Tourism Bureau, or for that matter any of the states you have photo documented for us. I have itchy feet now and I know where I want them to take me.
That looks amazing!!!!! It looks like you guys are having an amazing time! xoxo
Breathtaking photos! I would love to visit there someday and see that well! Awesome and thanks for sharing.
I so want to go to Oregon now! Love your descriptions & pics