Thor’s Well is a Real Place You Can Visit with Your RV
Named for the god of thunder, Thor’s Well is a scenic curiosity on the Oregon coast.
What exactly is this unusual attraction, and does it live up to its mythical status?
Today, we’ll get to the bottom of this intriguing natural wonder.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Thor’s Well?
Some legends say Thor’s Well drains the entire ocean or is a portal to the underworld. These are tall tales that probably overstate things a bit. What looks like a bottomless pit on the Pacific floor is essentially a saltwater fountain that spews almost constantly.
Some call Thor’s Well a sinkhole, but scientists say it’s actually a collapsed sea cave. It’s made up of the same volcanic soil, called basalt, as the adjacent shoreline.
In a dramatic display of nature’s fury, water streams into Thor’s Well and shoots out the top.
Where Is Thor’s Well?
This mysterious marine feature sits just off of Oregon’s scenic central coast, and it’s right on Highway 101. It is one of several cool things to experience at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area in Oregon’s Siuslaw National Forest. This 800-foot-high bluff offers commanding views of the rugged coastline and sea.
Pro Tip: Want to explore more unique sites in Oregon? Read more to find out: Why do People Visit Hole-in-the-Ground, Oregon?
Best Time of Day to See Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is more impressive during high tide because there’s stronger wave action. Find out when high tide will occur and arrive a bit earlier. This way, you may be able to get a view of Thor’s Well when it’s filled with water.
When the tide is still low, you can get close enough to see how it actually works. It’s safer to keep a distance, though. Besides allowing Thor’s Well to maintain some of its mystique, you’ll avoid getting swept away by a sudden big wave.
Keep In Mind: Tides will impact the splendor of this site. Make sure to use the local tide charts to determine the best times to visit Thor’s Well.
Best Time of Year to Visit Thor’s Well
Some say Thor’s Well puts on a better show during storms because there’s more water to spew. But as long as the tide is high, it’s going to be impressive. Overall, summertime is the best time to visit.
Winter weather here is too unpredictable, and it can quickly turn into bitter cold. In addition, some of the area’s places of interest have reduced hours during the colder months.
Other Things to Do Near Thor’s Well
The area around Thor’s Well is one of the most beautiful stretches along Oregon’s rocky and rugged coastline. This is where a lush rainforest literally drops off into the ocean, so the scenery is amazing.
It’s also the highest point in Oregon that’s easily accessible – you can drive right up to it.
Visit Cape Perpetua
The best view of all is from Cape Perpetua. This U.S. Forest Service maintains this scenic area as part of its 630,000-acre Siuslaw National Forest. British explorer Captain James Cook named the place when he visited in 1778.
A century and a half later, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a camp here and 26 miles of hiking trails. Stop in at the visitor’s center. You can pick up a map of the area to help you decide which trails and water features to explore.
Pro Tip: While traveling through Oregon why not say at one of these 7 Best Free Camping Spots in Oregon.
Stroll Through Nearby Yachats
The village of Yachats (pronounced YAH-hots) lies a few minutes up the winding highway, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This small coastal town of about 800 holds a mushroom festival every October.
You can enjoy the friendly vibe year-round, though. Make some time on your trip to browse Yachats’ shops and galleries or enjoy a satisfying meal at a restaurant.
Grab some produce at the local farmers’ market and drive the one-mile Yachats Ocean Road just south of town.
Check Out Devils Churn
They say life is about the journey rather than the destination. You could say the same for Devils Churn. Like its more famous counterpart, Thor’s Well, it was once a cave.
Now it’s a narrow inlet where you can observe ocean waves churning and crashing. And chances are there won’t be nearly as many people sharing the experience with you. Take your time and enjoy the short hike down to Devils Churn.
It’s an opportunity to pick your own front seat to nature’s power.
Where to Stay Near Thor’s Well
If you’re hoping to camp on the coast, check out this campground. It has a lot going for it, including that it’s right on the beach.
Tillicum Beach Campground
Just four miles north of Yachats, Tillicum Beach Campground has 61 sites and a sandy beach. Most of the sites have beach views, but the ones with electric and water hookups don’t.
All sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and there is drinking water and flush toilets. Tillicum is well-maintained by a friendly staff and offers a relaxing experience and tremendous ocean views. It’s just minutes from all the local landmarks.
Make Thor’s Well One of Your Destinations
In Norse mythology, Thor was known for his tempestuous nature. The water feature that carries his name is unpredictable, too. Does Thor’s Well deserve its reputation as a must-see wonder? Find out for yourself by visiting one of the most spectacular places on the Oregon coast.
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