Visiting Thor's Well in Cape Perpetua, Oregon

Thor’s Well is one of Oregon’s most incredible, unique, and popular attractions. This “well” in the rocks set along the Pacific is a must-visit if you’re cruising down the Oregon Coast!

Before you head out, there are a few things to know before visiting Thor’s Well and some tips for what else to see in the area.

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Table of Contents

Thor’s Well
Tips for Thor’s Well
What’s Near Thor’s Well
More Things to Do on The Oregon Coast

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is located right off Highway 101/Oregon Coast Highway just outside of Yachats, Oregon. You can park right here and see Thor’s Well from the parking lot if you’re in a rush. Do note that the parking lot isn’t all that big, and this spot can get pretty busy.

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Visiting Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is an old sea cave that has collapsed, creating almost a “drainage pipe” to the ocean. It’s a seemingly bottomless hole that thrashes and sprays water as the waves crash in and out.

Close up shot of Thor's Well - a rocky cauldron in the ocean — Getting up close to Thor’s Well. Here, you see the water receding into the well.

It’s quite a spectacular sight when the wave hits Thor’s Well! The water jets out and then gets swallowed back down the hole again.

Thor’s Well is set on a long basalt shoreline. From the parking lot, you’ll need to walk down the short path to get up close. You can do the short walk down to Thor’s Well or make a little half-mile loop on the Captain Cook trail that takes you over to a few other views over Cape Perpetua.

Bridge across rocky Cook's Chasm near Thor's Well on the Oregon Coast — Explore Cook’s Chasm when visiting Thor’s Well.

You’ll notice to the left a small overpass bridge and just beneath it, another wonder of nature, Spouting Horn in the Cook Chasm. There is a gorgeous view of an ocean blowhole where the waves crash in the cave, which then spouts the seawater right back out, spraying into the air!

There’s also a view from the bridge looking down and out at the chasm; just walk over from the parking lot.

Warnings About Thor’s Well!

This beautiful area of Cape Perpetua can be seen just a few minutes from the parking lot but do note that you’re walking on jagged and slippery volcanic rock.

There is a risk of injury while wandering the craggy terrain, so step with care. Additionally, there are many tide pools and possible sea creatures on the rocks, so take even more care roaming around Thor’s Well.

Thor's Well tide pools and ocean with headland in background in the fog — Exploring the tide pools around Thor’s Well

In addition to watching your step, you must also be hyper-aware of your surrounding at all times. This is the Oregon Coast, which is beautiful but also dangerous. Sneaker waves are a possibility and could really injure someone or worse. There have been accidents here.

Watch out if you wander along the outskirts of the basalt terrain where the waves are crashing in as well. Just because a few waves have been small doesn’t mean that they will stay consistent; the tides are constantly changing.

View over Thor's Well, ocean and grassy area from parking lot — You can also view Thor’s Well from the parking lot. Can you see the well spouting water in the distance?!

It’s also worth noting that you can view Thor’s Well from afar. It won’t be as spectacular as being up close; however, this is an option for those who can’t make it down to the rocks to view up close. You can see Thor’s Well in the distance from the parking lot or even from a spot on the path walking down.

Best Time To Visit Thor’s Well

It’s best to view Thor’s Well at high tide or when there’s a storm coming through for a real show (but be extra careful!). For a safer visit, high tide on a calm day would be best.

Always make sure to assess the weather and the waves along the coast for a moment before heading straight to the rocks.

You can check the tide schedule here for Thor’s Well.

Tips for Thor’s Well

Wear good shoes! The volcanic rock you will be walking on isn’t very forgiving.
You’ll get a bit wet. Thor’s Well spouts out water and mist, and your feet will be stepping on wet rocks with puddles too.
Photographers – you’ll need a steady hand, lens cloths, a tripod, and extra coverage if possible because there will be spray and possibly even a soaking depending on how close you get and how much Thor’s Well spits out.
Don’t forget to take care when exploring, check the tides, and be aware of the weather.
Don’t skip the chance to wander to Cook’s Chasm and the extra viewpoints on the short trail too.

What’s Near Thor’s Well

Cape Perpetua – Actually, Thor’s Well is in Cape Perpetua, and it’s just one of the awesome things to do in this State Scenic Area. There are plenty more trails with stunning views and a campsite here too. The Cape Perpetua Overlook is a beautiful and easy viewpoint to visit.

Devil’s Churn – Just one minute north of the parking lot for Thor’s Well and also in Cape Perpetua, is another site worth taking a peek into, the Devil’s Churn! There are incredible tide pools and more spitting and spouting of the Pacific Ocean against another collapsed sea cave.

Woman standing and looking out over ocean blowhole at Devil's Churn in Oregon — Visit nearby Devil’s Churn when visiting Thor’s Well

Looking out over headland, beach and ocean of Cape Perpetua in Oregon — Visit nearby Devil’s Churn when visiting Thor’s Well

Yachats – This cute town has a beautiful promenade lined with quaint shops, scrumptious eateries, and you can hop on a whale watching tour from here.

Heceta Head – Just 15 minutes south, you’ll hit Heceta Head Lighthouse, possibly Oregon’s most stunning lighthouse, and a trail to Hobbit Beach just behind it.