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    Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

    4.9 (53 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    On the way up
    Renee N.

    With so many places to stop along the beautiful Oregon Coast, this area is definitely worth your time to visit. We parked in a mostly empty parking lot and entered the visitor center. A friendly gentleman provided some good information regarding the 26 mile trail system. There is a $5 fee for this area. This trail is part of the majestic Oregon Coast Trail which is 362 miles. We chose to hike the 2.8 mile St. Perpetual Trail from the parking lot to the top. This quiet trail leads you to the top of the overlook which is 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Switchbacks take you higher and higher to a couple of epic vantage points and coastal views along the way. With every turn so much beauty. At the top you have the pleasure of continuing your hike in a loop or changing trails.You will see below you the Devils Churn. For those that don't want to hike, you may drive to the top of the overlook as well. Why drive when you can hike right?

    Scenic view
    Edie A.

    Definitely worth the stop. This look-out view is breathtaking and easy to get to. The drive and walk are both easy to navigate. Signs lead the way off of scenic Hwy 101. From the overlook you can see the winding roads below, the green trees of the forest, and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the season, you can spot migrating whales. Spectacular!

    Whispering Spruce Trail offers undisturbed moments along Oregon's coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
    Seth A.

    I visited Cape Perpetua Overlook located 2 miles off Highway 101 and it was one of the best viewpoints I can remember in a long time! It was the highlight of my drive down the Oregon Coast. To find this lookout, you can plug "Cape Perpetua Overlook" into Google Maps or (if you're headed south) make a left hand turn just past Devil's Churn Viewpoint. At the top of this overlook, parking is limited, but I found a few available spots around 4pm in early August. They do charge $5 for accessing views from the lookout and the hiking trails at the top of the cliff. You are asked to fill out a slip and drop it into a box. But the problem was the drop box was full and couldn't accept any more payment slips. I left a $5 bill on the front windshield of my car in good faith. I walked the 1/3rd of a mile Whispering Spruce Trail. According to the trailhead sign, on a clear day "you can see 37 miles out to sea and 70 miles up and down the coast" and I agree with this assessment. I had chills just checking out the expansive surroundings. Granted, it was a perfectly sunny afternoon day, but the views were perfect! I was awe-inspired. Stunned! Just casually walking this Whispering Spruce Trail was fantastic and a huge reward for not having to work hard to arrive here. As you walk along the edge of the pathway, you come upon a little shelter house. And again, from the vantage points at this shelter house, the Pacific Ocean was like a glorious sight to witness, simply out of a postcard setting. I really did feel on top of the world. The Pacific Ocean glistened against the sun's rays. It's a moment to feel grateful being among nature and how beautiful little under the radar spots can be. I was thinking...I didn't even have expectations for this Cape Perpetua Overlook, yet it took my breathe away. You can do more exploring while here. There are 2 other trails that go more in depth for enjoying the scenery. They are... - Giant Spruce Trail - 2 miles roundtrip - an easy stroll through the forest. According to the trailhead sign - "fern-lined trail winds through the trees along Cape Creek. At the end of the hike you'll find the monarch of this lush coastal forest: a 500-year old Sitka spruce tree." - St. Perpetua Trail - 2.2 miles roundtrip - difficult but worth it. According to the trailhead sign..."many coastal views, each more awesome than the last - luring you onward and upward to the Best View on the Oregon Coast". Some final notes... - This Cape Perpetua Overlook is situated just behind Cape Perpetua Campground. I was hoping to find a campsite for the night but unfortunately for summertime they were already at full capacity. - Cape Perpetua is situated in the heart of the action along Oregon's Highway 101 coastal drive. Right nearby are... 1. Devils Punchbowl - 37 miles north. 2. Devils Churn - next door. 3. Thor's Well - 2 miles down the road. 4. Spouting Horn - 2 miles also. 5. Haceta Head Lighthouse - 13 miles south. 6. The town of Yachats, Oregon - 5 miles north. From here at Cape Perpetua Overlook I did drive back towards the town of Yachats and grabbed dinner at Outta Gas Pizza. The pizza was okay, nothing special. Overall, this Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is fantastic and while you're driving Highway 101 either north or south, it's a MUST VISIT to come check out this overlook/observation point. You will be left inspired with memories that can last for years to come.

    Danielle P.

    My Goodness, this is one of the absolute gorgeous areas along the Oregon coastline! Make sure you stop at the interactive center for free info, everyone here is very informative ad helpful. Great parking, if you plan on staying for a while please pay or have a pass in your window. They have trails from the interactive center. Every trail is stunning and not to challenging. You will most likely see whales and other sea life, we did! Trust me you wanna add this whole area to your list, so stunning. ~Enjoy @glampedlife

    Catherine C.

    This was a beautiful and relatively easy walk off Hwy 101. We parked at the visitors center and walked some (if not most) of the well maintained trails. For a Wednesday in late August it felt not to busy. The views are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely recommend taking a walkabout here if you're in the area.

    Roger M.

    Cape Perpetua typifies a snippet of the 360 mile Oregon coast line rugged, forested sea cliffs forming the headland jutting out into the Pacific Ocean - and an uncrowded beach with many tide pools. All up and down the entire coast everyone can enjoy every mile of the uncrowded beaches, the sands stretching 360 miles. Because Oregon legislature passed a law in 1967 to keep beaches under Oregon ownership and open to the public. Private land begins 16 vertical feet above the low tide line. Cape Perpetua, high point 800 feet above sea level, is managed by the US Forest Service. There is camping, picnicking, 25 miles of hiking trails, sightseeing, including a 600-year-old Sitka spruce tree 185 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter. Along Cape Perpetua coastline, there are unique features like the Devil's Churn which is a long crack as wide and long as a football field in the coastal rock where waves roll in and out, and at high or storm tide multiple splashes explode and shoot sky high - !!! fall in !!! - and remain with the sea forevermore. I am mindful to watch my step and take pics while keeping a 3rd eye on the waves movement. The Spouting Horn at Cook's Chasm and Thor's Well on the rocky plateau nearby are wide holes in the rocks when the bigger and more powerful waves come under the rocks and blast upward, skyward and spouting like Old Faithful in Yellowstone for not as long but more often. Any day after day by day on an Oregonian beach is like no other. Why? Wind, waves, weather and sand endlessly shifting with your body, mind and spirit - a time for new reflections!!! !!! !!!

    Sharon G.

    We've stopped here two years running now and it's absolutely breathtaking. I've heard there are some excellent trails to the seascape below, but if you're just stopping for a few moments on your drive up the coast, they have an easily accessible deck where you can take everything in: the drop (from the safety of a stable and well-fenced even surface, the climbing, piney hills, and the vast, sparkling sea. If there's a better place to stop, we haven't found it.

    From the deck of the interpretive center
    Rebecca B.

    Let's face it, there are a bajillion places to stop along the Oregon Coast. You don't want to miss this one. Even if you just hit the interpretive center with it's lovely attendants and clean, well curated informational innards, the viewing area is enough to give you a picture you can happily access in your mind's eye forever. If you crave a good moderate hike, leave directly from the interpretive center to go on any trail and you'll be privy to stunning views, well maintained trails, and super friendly doggos when you meet other coastline enthusiasts. It really is a beautiful area. We went up to the little stone cabin to look as far as we could down the coast and out to see on a cloudy day and I can verify there's a reason it's a famous spot. If you love photography, absolutely bring your camera, bring your binoculars because you have a great chance to see whales in the right season, and the flowers in bloom are stunning. Plus, if you don't want to work as hard getting to the best lookout points, there are multiple places to drive farther up so the walk is much shorter. I revisit this one, which says something because I have no attention span, but this one will get your dopamine going.

    Jennifer L.

    Everything around this place references Cooks Chasm so keep that in mind when looking things up. It was a bit of a jaunt to get down here but even my bad knee managed each way. It's actually pretty easy to navigate when you're there. So many areas to check out and enjoy. Lots of beautiful scenery for photo ops and video. Really glad we happened to look up Thor's Well otherwise we wouldn't have known to stop here. Really glad we took more time to enjoy little pit stops like this for a change.

    Elisa H.

    Gorgeous scenery, easy hike. It's a 0.75 mile round trip hike to the tide pools. If you're interested in the history of Cape Perpetua, you'll find it on this trail. Hike past the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, then climb a mountain of mussel shells left by generations of Alsea Indians. There are tidepool creatures at low tide and the geyser like Spouting Horn when the tide is high. Watch out for sneaker waves and know that the rock is uneven and slippery when wet. Super chilly and windy the day we were there which added to the ambiance of the beautiful Oregon coast. Dogs are allowed on leash. Weekend parking can be limited. There are a few lots, although they fill up quickly, so go early. People come and go, so be patient. There's a fee to park at the main lot, I believe it was 10.00, although, they honor several national park passes if you happen to have one. If you're in the area, it's a must see!

    Even with the marine layer the view is stunning.
    Aimee W.

    Cape Perpetua is a perfect example of what makes the Oregon Coast so special. It has so many things to see and there is something for you to do no matter what tide you arrive at. If the tide is low, tide pools, at high-tide the crashing waves on the rocks at Devil's Churn or Cooks Chasm. During the in between times, time can be taken up hiking on a number of trails (around 27 miles total) depending on length and difficulty level; but there is something for everyone. To top it off the visitor center is fantastic with lots of interpretive displays to help you identify native (and non) plants that you will encounter in the area. The have short movies on demand and hikes led by Field Rangers all day on the weekends. Plan to make a day of it!

    View from the lookout at the top of the hill
    Katey H.

    Make sure you don't only see Devil's Churn and Thor's Well right on the Hwy but take the time to drive up to the lookout in the day use area. The views can't be beat!! We had a great time and even the dog loved it!

    Spouting Horn after a big fwoosh

    ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! Now, you gotta be smart and careful. Go at high tide (very easy to figure out online), bring your loved ones, and stay away from the edges! Thor's Well, Devils Churn, and Spouting Horn are beautiful but deadly views! Bring a windbreaker and waterproof boots and it'll be awesome!

    Devil's Churn loop trail

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    Even though I live in the area, I am still in awe when I look out over the ocean from the top of Perpetua. Amazing.

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    8 years ago

    Beautiful, like most of the Oregon coast. Definitely worth a stop! Make sure to bring a camera :)

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    Ask the Community - Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

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    Review Highlights - Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

    On the other side of highway 101 is a trail to Devils Churn, Cook's Chasm, and Spouting Horn.

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    804 Trail - Surprisingly lots of blooms along the trail even in August!! (2025)

    804 Trail

    4.9(18 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    This is a great trail along the ocean in Yachats. It begins in a neighborhood and takes you down to…read morethe beach where you can see tidepools. There are a few benches along the trail where you can sit and relax and take in the gorgeous ocean view. It's most popular in the mornings, for tidepools, and evenings, for beautiful sunsets. The trail is pretty flat and expands about 2 miles. It connects to a couple of other trails in Yachats to the south, the Oregon Coast Trail (1 mile) and the Amanda Trail (1 mile). The trails are well maintained and perfect for a casual walk to take in the fresh ocean air. I would highly recommend!

    I've returned to this magnificent trail so many times over the years - my review is long overdue…read morebut it's kind of a hidden gem and I'm hoping it'll stay that way lol! This is probably my #1 fave trail of all time. It's not technically difficult by any means - it's short, almost entirely flat, and very well maintained. But it holds my heart bc there's a veritable feast for my lens in every nook and cranny and the environment changes year after year due to storms, tides, and sand levels rising and falling - a never ending photographer's paradise! And no doubt I'll be returning year after year for a long time. The trail runs about 1.5 miles from the sleepy coastal town of Yachats to its dead-end on a long sandy beach in the Cape Perpetua protected marine area. To say the tide pools here are amazing is an understatement. They are unparalleled! I've never seen so many colorful starfish, anemones, snails, barnacles, and tons of other undersea creepy crawlers anywhere else. The sunset and sunrise views are magical as well. And there are interesting pockets and tunnels created by mysterious wind swept coastal pines - just glorious! The giant dark basalt boulders are covered in so many species of barnacles and always changing shape due to erosion from wind and waves - creating so many fascinating pools to explore. The trail meanders past my fave hotel of all time too - the Overleaf Lodge. This is my happy place - my heart is always here. If you ever have the chance to visit, take it.

    Photos
    804 Trail - This rock was covered in hundreds of anemones! The tide pools along the trail are incredible to say the least!

    This rock was covered in hundreds of anemones! The tide pools along the trail are incredible to say the least!

    804 Trail - Goose barnacles surrounding the anemones! The tide pools along the trail are incredible to say the least!

    Goose barnacles surrounding the anemones! The tide pools along the trail are incredible to say the least!

    804 Trail - Views from the trail as the tide comes in

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    Views from the trail as the tide comes in

    Sweet creek trail - Bridges to pass.

    Sweet creek trail

    4.9(27 reviews)
    21.2 mi

    Many waterfalls and swimming holes along this amazing and shaded trail…read more Love mossy rocks? How about lush ferns? How do you feel about cascading water? Do you enjoy dipping your feet into cold water on a hot summer day? Or how about swimming among giant redwood trees? If any of this sounds appealing you need to visit Sweet Creek Falls. We came in the middle of summer and it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon hiking, meditating, and swimming. There are 11 waterfalls ranging in size and close to 2.5 miles all together of shaded trails to explore, rustic bridges included. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Oregon last summer. Know before you go: Parking lots at each trailhead. Super stinky bathroom located only at Homestead Trailhead. Dog friendly. And most importantly FREE! *Don't be surprised to see topless women swimming. We all have breasts and it's a beautiful thing to be free especially in a place like this. If this bothers you just look away. *Don't use Yelp directions as they'll take you to the wrong place. Use Google instead. I've reported this several times but like nearly everything I report Yelp ignores it. And Happy Earth Day! If you haven't discovered what nature can do for your soul I highly recommend getting away from the daily grind, turning your phone off, and just enjoying what places like this can do for you. It's truly magical.

    Awesome trail with multiple waterfalls. Trails were nice and clear of debris and branches. A few…read morespots with bigger rocks, roots, and water. Gorgeous scenery! There are so many photo opportunities. Many different bridges along the trail allow you to walk over the water. There is a part of the trail where you have to walk through a small stream. I wasn't wearing the proper gear and didn't want wet shoes and socks, so we headed back at that point and headed towards the upper parking lot. The upper trail still had snow on the ground, and the parking area was pretty soggy. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We would love to come back again during a drier season. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Sweet creek trail - Cascading water along the trail.

    Cascading water along the trail.

    Sweet creek trail - Just a happy banana slug.

    Just a happy banana slug.

    Sweet creek trail - Perfect summer afternoon as most of the trail is shaded.

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    Perfect summer afternoon as most of the trail is shaded.

    Devil's Churn - The pathway leading towards Devils Churn.

    Devil's Churn

    4.7(26 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Devils Churn is one of the coolest geological formations I've ever seen…read more As the tide comes in, the waves are concentrated in the basalt chasm (the result of an ancient collapsed lava tube), where they gain speed, ricochet against themselves, creating the "churn" look. It looks like a giant ocean bathtub full of violent butter. The waves splash dozens of feet in the air, filling tide pools on the basalt cliffs, and then cascading back down over the edges in a circular formation of infinite waterfalls. It looks like something you would imagine you would see in Iceland. The churn can be seen from a viewing area close to the parking lot, but it's just a short half mile hike down to the shore. Even though people have been washed out to sea from this site, these people had gone beyond the official trail, into the actual tide pool area above the churn. So, as long as you're on the trail, you're probably safe. I held on to the wooden rail just in case a big wave came, but noticed that the very bottom rung had been washed out. There is enough parking for about twenty cars at the information center, which is staffed by the Forest Service on limited hours/days. Parking is $5 or free with an NPS, Forest Service, or other federal interagency pass. I've actually been here a few times now. Valentine's Day was pretty crowded, and the visitor center was open. I had to leave before high tide, but was mesmerized. So, I ended up coming back during high tide a few days later. At one point, I saw the ocean throw an entire tree onto the ledge-- only to reclaim it a few minutes later. Falling in to the churn would almost certainly result in death. Some of the waves looked like they were going 25mph once they entered the chasm. Plus it's full of huge logs being violently churned around. But just half mile down the trail, there is a calm, serene beach with really pretty rocks. Continuing on, you can actually hike to Thors Well from here. I can't believe I'd never even heard of this place until I stumbled upon it by accident after visiting Thors Well. Personally I actually found the churn more impressive and mesmerizing to watch.

    Super easy hike down to devils churn with accessible parking. I would highly recommend checking to…read moresee where the tide is at before going down for your safety. Came here with my friend on our way to Florence .

    Photos
    Devil's Churn
    Devil's Churn - Info about Devils Churn day use.

    Info about Devils Churn day use.

    Devil's Churn

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    Hobbit Beach Trailhead - Ocean view from the beach

    Hobbit Beach Trailhead

    4.6(13 reviews)
    19.3 mi

    This is a beautiful short walk that goes from the beach parking lot to the lighthouse. I've gone…read morehere several times and it's always gorgeous, even when it's foggy and raining. There are wild blackberries that grow along the path that you can snack on or take home with you if you go at the right time of the year, which is an added plus! The bathrooms by the beach parking lot are rough. They are not for the faint of heart or faint of nose. You're better off holding it until you can get to downtown Florence and use the public bathrooms there.

    The Hobbit Trail would make JRR Tolkien proud. The trailhead is a subtle affair and easily found…read moremainly due to the other cars parked at the trailhead. Parking is available on both sides of the highway, but remember, it's hwy 101 and traffic can be heavy. Because there is so much vehicle traffic as well as hikers coming and going, there are enough eyes there to make you feel okay about leaving your car there locked up. The trail itself starts out fairly smooth with gentle ups and downs, but get a bit more aggressive as you continue. A walking stick of some sort really comes in handy on a few of the steps and turns. As you progress towards the coast the forest starts to get thicker and darker like Mirkwood. The rays of diffuse sunlight scattered by drifting mists definitely lends a mystical element to the surroundings. Some of the trees are so twisted and gnarled that you might almost expect Treebeard or another Ent to come pacing past you. We did come across a gnome that was cleverly hidden by someone. After about a mile the trail reaches the end where the last section gets a bit steeper with plenty of roots to avoid. This is a very well used trail and there are a lot of very friendly hikers going both directions. The trail then opens onto a very large beautiful flat sandy beach with a cliff wall to your immediate south and a long flat sandy beach to the north. We found our first sandfall! A waterfall but it was sand, not water. Sand from the hillside above the cliffs was just pouring and cascading over the rocky edge. I posted a brief video of one with this review. All in all it was a good hike for a guy with a bum knee, anything worse than that should probably not try the whole trail. Mainly because a couple places had steps in and around roots that were probably around 1 to 2 foot steps. If you do push on to the bottom, the beach is worth it. Lots of very friendly smiling people and an awful lot of very well behaved dogs. I think the magic in this is that it was all so clean. The hike back out was easier than I had anticipated but there is no ADA assistance.

    Photos
    Hobbit Beach Trailhead
    Hobbit Beach Trailhead - Leap into the new Lunar Year!

    Leap into the new Lunar Year!

    Hobbit Beach Trailhead

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    Alsea Falls Recreation Site - Alsea falls

    Alsea Falls Recreation Site

    4.0(1 review)
    30.9 mi

    I'll be up front. I love Oregon. I love how beautiful it is here. I love the slower pace of life. I…read morelove the food. I love that people here have manners. Actual manners! Sh*t, I haven't experienced anything like this since living in New England (shoutout to NH, VT, and ME). But I digress. Dealing with folks takes a toll on me so I knew I wanted to grab a couple close friends and find a serene spot in a forest somewhere to recharge my batteries. Oregon delivered as usual. Alsea Falls Recreation Site (AFRS) is a picturesque area located 30 minutes southwest of Corvallis and boasts gorgeous forests of red cedars, maples, and Douglas firs as well as two waterfalls. I thought hiking trails here were pleasant. They offer plenty of shade and aren't very strenuous. Alsea Falls is located rather close to the day use parking lot, but there is a 1.4 mile trail leading to Green Peak Falls if you walk across the wooden bridge. The trail is poorly marked so you may lose it when you end up at McBee Park campground. Stick to the right and you will find two trails. Take the right official trail with the trail post. The left trail is shorter but there are stinging nettles along the way. Green Peak is the larger of the two falls and it is possible to climb to the top via the adjacent trail (right side), but it is steep so be careful. O T H E R I N F O -Day use parking is $3. Fill out an envelope. Drop off the envelope with payment in the receptacle across from the outhouse. Keep the stub in your vehicle. -Amenities within the campground include drinking water and vault toilets. Several campsites can accommodate large RVs or trailers; up to 32 feet long. -Dogs are allowed on a leash so bring the family pup along! -Salmon and steelhead fishing during the winter months. -The park is clean. Keep it that way and pack your trash until you find a rubbish bin. -Pack a camera. Take plenty of photos. Collect memories instead of things.

    Photos
    Alsea Falls Recreation Site - On the trail to Green Peak Falls

    On the trail to Green Peak Falls

    Alsea Falls Recreation Site - Loving the PNW vibes. Found a waterfall and decided to just chill out.

    Loving the PNW vibes. Found a waterfall and decided to just chill out.

    Alsea Falls Recreation Site - Alsea Falls

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    Alsea Falls

    Starker Forests - Starker Forest Tour

    Starker Forests

    5.0(1 review)
    42.5 mi

    We came upon Starker Forestry Tour trail online when checking along the 20 for short trails we…read moremight want to check out as passing through. It's super easy to find from the 20, just a few minutes down a paved and gravel road with good signage. There's a small parking area at an intersection of roads where the tour begins. As a tree hugger I generally cringe, plug my ears, or turn away from anything involving the removal of even one tall beauty. But I will admit, after taking the informative trail I respected the education and information provided by the tour. The trail starts at a large covered pavilion with long benches and utilizes signposts along the short loop to help both kids and adults learn about the industry, as well as the natural inner workings of the forest. Special focus is given to beauty #15 and it's individual purpose, as well as how the environment around it has changed through the years. The path is well-maintained, fairly flat and easy, with an even gravel surface. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, the Starker Forestry Tour has a beautiful setting and offers a simplistic way to learn a bit more about the gorgeous Oregon forests.

    From the owner: At Starker Forests, we grow and harvest trees while working to protect the environment. We allow…read morepublic access for hiking, hunting and mountain biking. All visitors to Starker Forests must obtain a free recreation permit.

    Photos
    Starker Forests - Starker Forest Tour

    Starker Forest Tour

    Starker Forests
    Starker Forests - Starker Forest Tour

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    Starker Forest Tour

    Beaver Creek State Natural Area - Restroom

    Beaver Creek State Natural Area

    2.7(3 reviews)
    17.2 mi

    This was a nice stop to get out and stretch while driving in this coastal area. There are restrooms…read moreand free parking at both locations. The visitor's center was just closing when we arrived, but they did have some placards with pertinent information on the back deck with a gorgeous view of the bog. The other area below the visitor's center, where the short boardwalk and dock are located, has a picnic area available. There's an area where you can walk through the marsh to view the wildlife. We visited in early May so it was a bit muddy out there. It would have been fine if we brought our boots. Next time. We did hear many different birds out there, but only saw a few. Overall a nice stop while in the area, but not sure we would go out of our way to stop here again.

    I read positive reviews and the brochure ("Bring your binoculars...this soft-packed, moderately…read moredifficult loop skirts the fringes of the upland forests and meadows") online prior to going, expecting a pleasant hike on a maintained trail. This was not that. The Beaver Creek Loop trail was a horrifying viewless bushwacking slog over overgrown blackberry, poison oak, and tall grass (check yourself for ticks). Very clear that trail hasn't been brushed in a LONG time. The trail doesn't even deserve to be called a trail. Also there's a downed tree across the trail with pretty much no way except to duck under into a thicket of poison oak while carrying a small child. Really horrible. Do better Oregon, this was really not OK. AVOID THIS PLACE.

    Photos
    Beaver Creek State Natural Area - Placards off deck at visitor's center

    Placards off deck at visitor's center

    Beaver Creek State Natural Area - Trail map and info

    Trail map and info

    Beaver Creek State Natural Area

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    Cape Perpetua Scenic Area - hiking - Updated July 2026

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