The Coolest Visitor Center In Oregon Has 26 Miles Of Trails And Natural Wonders
By Will Suphan|Updated on May 05, 2024(Originally published August 17, 2023)
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
The Oregon Coast is an utterly breathtaking expanse of sheer natural beauty surrounded by old-growth forests, Native American artifacts, and stunning natural wonders that will stick in your memory for years to come. Did you know there’s a visitor center in Oregon from which you can access all those things? Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is a hub near some of Oregon’s most impressive sights and natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well.
Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Center is located just off the Oregon Coast Highway about three miles south of the charming small town of Yachats. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The visitor center is a wealth of information about the surrounding area and its history. Plus, the staff is quite friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. You may even be inspired to volunteer!
One of the first things you’ll notice is the utterly gorgeous coastal views with the scent of the ocean air and the sound of the crashing waves. This brings an interesting juxtaposed feeling of soothing yet invigorating wonder.
One of Oregon’s most powerful natural wonders, Devil’s Churn is just north of the visitor center. What was once the opening to an ancient lava tube is now a crucible of sheer oceanic force as waves crash into it and surge upwards with a thunderous roar.
Just to the south of the visitor center is another wonder that is the opposite of Devil’s Churn. Thor’s Well is a deep hole on the coast that seems to drink the ocean during high tide. It’s best to keep your distance from it as the currents are extremely strong.
If you’re able to pull your eyes off the mesmerizing ocean and head toward the forest, you will see equally breathtaking views along the 26 miles of trails that meander through old-growth forests. The combination of scents and sounds from the ocean and the forest creates a sensory feast.
Imagine walking among nature’s ancient giants where the forest meets the sea. Here, you will find a combination of salt and pine in the air and hear the birds of the forest, the wind through the trees, and the crashing surf in the background.
After only a few moments you will quickly understand why this is one of the best visitors centers in Oregon.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is one of those magical outdoor havens in Oregon that we love so much. Have you ever been to the coolest visitor center in Oregon? What are your favorite places nearby? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.
If you are looking for more things to do in Oregon take a closer look at Thor’s Well. Be sure to check with AllTrails before hiking to receive updates about closures and conditions.
Another of Oregon’s famous natural wonders is further up the coast to the north. Take a look at why we love Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach in this video:
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