What To Expect
The Cape Perpetua Headland, towering 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean and looking out over the Marine Garden shoreline, is the highest car-accessible viewpoint on the Oregon Coast. This area of coast sits atop the remnants of a massive oceanic shield volcano that went dormant approximately 40 million years ago.
The overlooks offer dramatic views of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, an ecologically unique section of coastal habitat in which old-growth Sitka Spruce forest transitions to high basalt sea cliffs and a sandy shoreline interspersed with ancient eroding lava flows. The Headland is also home to the West Shelter Observation Point, a small stone structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps when they established a camp at Cape Perpetua in 1933. During World War ll, the shelter contained a coastal defense gun and was used as an observation post. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Things To Know
On clear days, the Cape Perpetua Headland allows you to see up to 70 miles up and down the central Oregon coast and nearly 40 miles out across the Pacific Ocean to the horizon. With binoculars, you can spot whales off the Oregon coast year-round. Specific weeks in winter and spring, however, is when thousands of gray whales migrate just offshore. In spring and early summer, numerous species of wildflowers are in bloom, making the meadows and top of the headland especially lush and colorful.
Getting There
Starting at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, you have the option to drive 2 miles up Cape Perpetua Lookout Road to the parking area at the top of the headland. This will put you right at the trailhead for the Whispering Spruce Trail, which in just under 0.3 miles will take you on a short stroll to the West Shelter and around the headland.
If you're looking for something a little more strenuous, you can reach the Whispering Spruce Trail via the St. Perpetua trail. Beginning at the visitor center, the St. Perpetua trail climbs 1.7 miles through temperate Spruce rainforest, gaining over 700 feet in elevation over the course of the 11 switchbacks to the top of the headland.
Now get out there and have fun!
Comments