Thor's Well
A natural “ocean drain” on a lava coastline. Seawater rushes into the hole and then spouts back out. It is the most famous photo spot on the Oregon Coast.
Thor’s Well is a natural cavity about six meters deep on the lava bench of Cape Perpetua, probably a collapsed sea cave. When waves surge in, seawater fills it from below and sprays out. As the water recedes, it seems to be sucked down as if by a drain. Known as the “Drain of the Pacific,” it is best photographed at sunset. You can reach it from the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center by taking the Tide Trail, or walk about 10 minutes from the parking lot beside Highway 101. Be sure to check tide tables and stay away from the edge. Visitors have been swept away before. When tides are high and waves are big, watch only from higher ground.
Opening hours
All day (mind the tides)
Nearby sights
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Sea Lion Caves
- Seal Rock State Recreation Site
- South Beach State Park
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Hatfield Marine Science Center
- Yaquina Bay Bridge