ADDRESS
2400 Highway 101
Yachats, OR 97498
HOURS
Trails Open Year Round
Seasonal Visitor Center Hours
CONTACT
(541) 547-3289
Cape Perpetua
AMENITIES
Camping, Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails, Wheelchair Accessible
Named for St. Perpetua by Captain James Cook in March of 1778, Siuslaw National Forest’s Cape Perpetua National Scenic Area is the dramatic meeting place of two distinct but joined landscapes; dense and complex forests and the Pacific Ocean.
Experience ancient trees that nurture diverse plant and animal communities, tide pools that emerge at low tide and crashing surf that is the edge of the Land/Sea connection with the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve.
The Reserve is home to a vast array of marine invertebrates, mammals and sea birds, some of which are endangered or threatened species. The Cape itself rises to just over 800 feet, is the highest point accessible by automobile on the Oregon coast and is the perfect venue for whale watching and unbeatable scenic vistas.
WHERE THE WHALES ARE
Whales can be seen from anywhere in the rocky intertidal from Cook’s Chasm to Devil’s Churn, the Visitor Center and the Cape Perpetua Day Use Area. Grey whales can be seen regularly, close to shore, when they are not in Baja for the winter. Humpbacks are occasionally seen—sometimes breaching off shore, in view of the Visitor Center! They are usually not as close and are not as common as the greys. Sea otters are extinct in Oregon although we get very occasional visits from young males that come from California and Washington.
WHICH ANIMALS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
CAPE PERPETUA'S INTERPRETIVE GUIDES
The Forest Service provides interpretive programs and family friendly events throughout the year on a range of subjects. Check the Cape’s website or call the Visitor Center to check on dates and times.
TRAVEL TIPS
Follow the signs on Highway 101 to the Campground, veer left and drive up the hill to the lookout. Follow signs from Highway 101 to the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. Park at Devils Churn on the highway 101. Park in either of the pullouts on the highway 101 on Cooks Chasm or on the North side of the highway from the Visitors Center. The Day Use Area, Visitor Center and Devils Churn are parking fee sites.