Cape Perpetua Scenic Area has so much to do and see that you can spend the entire day there. This lush rain forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
There are twelve hiking trails within the park. Cummins Creek Loop Trail is the longest at 9-miles and begins at the visitor center. It winds through old growth forest with some ocean views along the journey.
The Giant Spruce Trail also begins at the Visitor Center. It is an amazing 2-mile round trip through a thriving rain forest that ends at the 500+ year old Sitka Spruce tree.
Giant Spruce Trail
Giant Spruce Trail
The first left fork off the Giant Spruce trail (about .2 mile in) begins the St. Perpetua Trail. St. Perpetua is a steep 2.8-mile round trip hike through an old growth forest, with frequent views of the vast Pacific Ocean. Once you reach the top of this 803-foot lava flow the views are breathtaking!
St. Perpetua Trail
The steep St. Perpetua Trail
St. Perpetua Trail: On a clear day you can see almost 40 miles out to sea and 70 miles up the coastline.
Most take the .4-mile drive up to the overlook, but taking the trail at least once is highly recommended. This stunning viewpoint is the highest on the entire Oregon Coast (that can be reached by vehicle).
When you reach the end of the trail you can opt to take the Whispering Spruce trail, which is a .3-mile loop. It takes you by the West Shelter, which was constructed during the winter of 1934-1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was used as an observation station during World War II.
Whispering Spruce trail: West Shelter
Inside the West Shelter is a wonderful place to rest your legs and enjoy the view after the tiring trek up the mountain.
Be sure to stop at the visitor center for more gorgeous views and interesting displays. There is also a short film to watch.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
There are two hikes that begin at the Devil's Churn: Trail of the Restless Waters is a .25-mile loop trail that takes you to Devils Churn. Cape Cove Trail is a .3-mile hike that goes to Cape Cove Beach.
Trail of the Restless Waters
Devils Churn
Captain Cook Trail is .08-miles round trip and begins at the visitor center. It is a nice walk though trees and vegetation and ends at the rocky shore. There you can see tide pools, Thor's Well, and Crooks Chasm.
Thor's Well
Thor's Well (The drainpipe of the Pacific) is a large hole that has been carved out of the basalt shoreline. It appears to fill up fast, spout water, and then quickly drain back into the 20-foot-deep hole. It's fun to watch, especially at high tide.
Crooks Chasm is next to Thor's well. This overlook is a nice place to watch the crashing waves.
Five other hikes worth checking out: Discovery Loop Trail (1.4-mile round trip), Amanda's Trail (5.8-miles round trip), Cook's Ridge and Gwynn Canyon Loop Trail (6-mile loop), Cummins Ridge Trail (12.8 miles round trip), and the Oregon Coast Trail which this 2.6-mile round trip section spans through Cape Perpetua.
After a long day at Cape Perpetua, dinner in nearby Yachats is the perfect stop. I love the casual atmosphere and consistently good food at Luna Sea Fish House. The seafood is fresh off their own boat, and we think it's the best Halibut Fish 'n Chips anywhere on the Oregon Coast!
Happy Trails!
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