1 / 16
PHOTOS
THUMBNAILS
MORE GALLERIES
EXIT
Read More
SHARE
THUMBNAILS
MORE GALLERIES
READ STORY
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
E-MAIL
1 / 16
read captions
If you’re a fan of Marvel Comics and surreal natural landscapes, take a road trip down the coast to Yachats, Oregon, and observe the wondrous power of the Pacific at Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn and the Spouting Horn. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific — or the “gate to hell” — the sinkhole is entrancing, highly dangerous, and draws millions of visitors to view its wonders every year. For a quick stop, park at the lot and observe from above. Or take a quick hike downhill to witness the thunderous sounds from 50 feet away. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Many sights along the Oregon coast will captivate the senses, but not many have the allure of a volcanic rock sinkhole that seemingly drains the sea. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
According to The Oregonian, the seawater sinkhole was likely a sea cave formed by rough, crashing waves. And it’s estimated the hole is only around 20’’ deep. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Here’s how the sinkhole works: At high tide,{ }powerful waves roll beneath the hole filling it up from the bottom. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
The ocean waves then bubble over the top of the hole like an overflowing hot tub or pot that’s boiling over. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Then the overflowing water seeps back down into the hole, making Thor’s Well appear as a non-stop, soothing ocean drain.{ }True to Thor’s God of Thunder legacy, the best times to visit Thor’s Well is, you guessed it, during stormy weather.  (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
After you view the marvels of Thor’s Well, follow the roaring sounds of crashing waves to the left of the well to see the Spouting Horn — an ocean geyser. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
For the brave, take the steps down for an eye-level view of the Spout and witness the power of the Pacific. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Over time, pounding Pacific waves gradually widened a fracture in the rocks forming Cook’s Chasm. The incoming waves crash against the jagged rock crevice exploding with a geyser-like spray, similar to that of a whale exhaling. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
The Spouting Horn is best viewed during high tides or during storms. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Hop back in the car and drive two-minutes up the road for another natural wonder: Devil’s Churn. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Thunderous waves – a common theme in Cape Perpetua — gnawed away at the ancient volcanic rock creating a sort of gaping mouth in the ocean. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Each wave collides violently against the rocks creating a white foam that churns in the bowl-like cave. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
According to the Forest Service, the “Pacific Ocean careens into Devil’s Churn and explodes in a riot of white froth.” (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Cape Perpetual is a must-see if you’re venturing down Highway 101. Expect dramatic, jagged cliffs, other-worldly water features and Pacific tide pools worth the quick pit stop. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)
Restart Gallery
Share This Gallery

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries

Photos: From yachts to kayaks at the Seattle Boat Show
Photos: Celebrating Lunar New Year in Seattle's International District
Artist of the Week: Matthew Leaman
Review: M. Night Shyamalan delivers suspense with 'Knock at the Cabin'
Colorful Puget Sounds views to get you through Friday
Slacking on your New Year's fitness resolutions? Now is a great time to refocus
Ready to set sail? The Seattle Boat Show is back
Part 1: Peat and Barley's Washington Distillery Adventures
Pivot over to 'The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Seattle'
The yummy Hangar Cafe in Georgetown is like a 'warm hug'
Rough & Tumble: A home for women's sports in the heart of Ballard
Seattle's legendary Beth's Cafe reopens after 2.5 years

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries

Photos: From yachts to kayaks at the Seattle Boat Show
Photos: Celebrating Lunar New Year in Seattle's International District
Artist of the Week: Matthew Leaman
Review: M. Night Shyamalan delivers suspense with 'Knock at the Cabin'
Colorful Puget Sounds views to get you through Friday
Slacking on your New Year's fitness resolutions? Now is a great time to refocus
Ready to set sail? The Seattle Boat Show is back
Part 1: Peat and Barley's Washington Distillery Adventures
Pivot over to 'The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Seattle'
The yummy Hangar Cafe in Georgetown is like a 'warm hug'
Rough & Tumble: A home for women's sports in the heart of Ballard
Seattle's legendary Beth's Cafe reopens after 2.5 years
Photos: From yachts to kayaks at the Seattle Boat Show
Photos: Celebrating Lunar New Year in Seattle's International District
Artist of the Week: Matthew Leaman
Review: M. Night Shyamalan delivers suspense with 'Knock at the Cabin'
Colorful Puget Sounds views to get you through Friday
Slacking on your New Year's fitness resolutions? Now is a great time to refocus
Ready to set sail? The Seattle Boat Show is back
Part 1: Peat and Barley's Washington Distillery Adventures
Pivot over to 'The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Seattle'
The yummy Hangar Cafe in Georgetown is like a 'warm hug'
Rough & Tumble: A home for women's sports in the heart of Ballard
Seattle's legendary Beth's Cafe reopens after 2.5 years
FB_SHARE_API