A Mysterious Hole in Basaltic shoreline-Thor’s Well Oregon

Thor’s well Oregon

Thor’s well also referred to as the “Drainpipe of the Pacific,”  is a natural wonder situated on the edges of the Pacific coast of Oregon US. The sinkhole swallows the unbroken stream of seawater around it and looks very dangerous. The site is most spectacular at high tide, or during storms when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the hole. During these sudden torrents, visitors run the risk of being swept right into the storm. Regardless of the risks, it is a Favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers who continue to flock to the stunning fountain to take a picture of the site. Thor’s Well Oregon has been named after Thor- the Scandinavian God of Thunder and Lightning. Legends say Thor himself struck the Earth in a fit of rage, creating this 6m deep well.

How Thor’s Well forms

The well forms a part of the large Cape Perpetua Scenic Area in Siuslaw National Forest. It is located nearly 5 km south of the small coastal city of Yachats in Oregon’s Lincoln County. Research says that Thor’s Well is a bowl-shaped sinkhole that has been carved out of rough basalt rock. As per the theories, the well was initially a sea cave that the waves had dug out. The continuous enormous waves hitting the same spot eventually led to the collapse of the cave’s roof, creating openings at the top and the bottom through which the ocean water surges in and out. The depth of this natural well reaches about 6 meters.

The bubbling water falling into a seemingly bottomless hole has led some to call it “The gate to hell.” Although it looks like a violent sinkhole sucking in the entire ocean. When the hole is full of water, it fizzles all the way to the top, creating a violent spray that bubbles over the rocks. The water then drains back into the sinkhole. The sinkhole is constantly overflowing and refilling itself, giving it the appearance that the Pacific Ocean is being swallowed by the sinkhole.

However, although the draining and refilling of the hole look dangerous, ocean experts say it is no more so than any other part of the Oregon coast. At high tide, there is always a risk of a strong undertow pulling someone out to sea, and the sharp rocks and edges that surround the site would make falling into the well.

Tourist Attraction near Thor’s Well Oregon

Thor’s Well Oregon is a favorite spot for every adventurous tourist and can be reached by a 1.2 km round trip paved trail that starts at Cape Perpetua. Tourists can visit Thor’s Well about one hour before the high tide to see it without water and then an hour after the high tide to observe how it fills up with water. Besides Thor’s Well, the other unique natural features include Devil’s Churn and Spouting Horn at Cook’s Chasm. which are located along the Cape Perpetua coastline, and also serve as popular sites for visitors.

Cape Perpetua

Cape Perpetua is a large forested headland projecting into the Pacific Ocean. The Forest Service created the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Camping, picnicking, hiking, sightseeing, and whale watching are all available within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. There is 42 km of interconnected hiking trails in old-growth forests that lead to Pacific Ocean tide pools.

Yachats

Yachats is a small coastal city near Thor’s well Oregon, the name comes from the Siletz language and means “dark water at the foot of the mountain”. Yachats are among the favorite vacation destinations in the world. This town has a beautiful promenade lined with quaint shops and awesome eateries, one can hop on a whale-watching tour from here.

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Heceta Head

Heceta Head Lighthouse is Oregon’s most stunning lighthouse and a trail to Hobbit Beach is just behind it. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is surrounded by a state campground to the north and a state park to the south. It is seen from Highway 101. The lighthouse is 17 meters, stands 62 meters above sea level, and is placed on a bluff. One can climb the bluff to see the lighthouse up close and personal.

For visitors, the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is a great way to see a number of different attractions in one stop. One can walk out onto the beach, where there are numerous tidepools teaming with life. Starfish, crabs, clams, and other sea life can be spotted, especially when the tide is out.

Devil’s Churn

Devil’s Churn is another attraction in Cape Perpetua, a narrow inlet located in the Siuslaw National Forest, and is accessible via the Restless Waters trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. The inlet developed over many thousands of years as wave action carved into the basalt shoreline, first forming a deep sea cave whose roof eventually collapsed. As the tide comes in it can throw spray several hundred feet into the air when the waves reach the end of the churn. 

Sprouting Horn

Sprouting Horn is the best natural attraction that arose near Cape Perpetua over a long period of time. The Cave is developed along the coast, where water and air get funneled into the open space, building up pressure inside the cave. When the pressure reached high, the water spurts out, creating an ocean geyser that explodes upward at high tide and creates a mesmerizing view.

Best Time To see Thor’s Well Oregon

The best time to visit Thor’s Well is one hour before the high tide to see it without water and then observe how the formation fills up after one hour. Always make sure to assess the weather and the waves along the coast for a moment before heading straight to the rocks. Visitors can check the tide schedule for Thor’s Well.

How to reach Thor’s Well

The nearest airport to Yachats is Eugene, the best way for getting to Yachats. Visitors can take a bus from Seattle to Yachats via Corvallis, Oregon State University, and Newport City Hall at around 9h 25m.