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Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Towering 800 feet over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Perpetua headland is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. From this high point, enjoy views of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and the rugged and rocky shore where visitors can witness the power of the ocean as it meets the coastal temperate rainforest.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area encompasses 2,700 acres of coastal habitat and was set aside for its exceptional ecological characteristics. A 26-mile trail system offers many opportunities to experience this lush and diverse temperate rainforest.
People have been part of this landscape for at least 6,000 years and Cape Perpetua bears evidence of this rich history. Archaeological sites provide hints into village life of the Native American Alsea people, who called this area Halaqaik. When British explorer James Cook saw the headland in 1778, he named it for Saint Perpetua. Many of the trails we find here today were first constructed by a unit of the Civilian Conservation Corps as President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to provide work for young men during the Great Depression. Their camp occupied the area where the visitor center is today.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is open seven days a week most of the year, with reduced hours in the winter. Visitor Center staff and exhibits will guide you to the cultural and natural history of the area. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and help plan your visit.
The area offers lots of great activities and adventures for families, including a mobile app to help explore the coastal forest, junior ranger programs, and more. Ranger-led programs and guided walks are available throughout the year, including winter and spring whale watch events. Be sure to check our news and events page frequently and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for event information and updates, or contact the Visitor Center for details at 541-547-3289.
Download a trail guide here.
Área Esenica de Cape Perpetua folleto en español aquí
Come explore
Tidepools, churns and spouting horns
Coastal forests and ocean views
Would you like to share the wonders of Cape Perpetua with visitors? Volunteer at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center! Find out more from our volunteer page.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open for day use 6am-10pm. Expect limited or no services and be prepared to pack out all waste. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. |
| Closest Towns: |
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| Information Center: | The Visitor Information Center offers a great panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Guided naturalist programs, walks, and interpretive exhibits are also available at the center.
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Activities
Beachcombing
Recreation areas with activity Beachcombing:Tidepooling
Recreation areas with activity Tidepooling:- Cape Cove Trail #1364.1
- Cape Cove Trailhead
- Captain Cook Trail #1364.2
- Saint Perpetua National Recreation Trail #1306
- Trail of the Restless Waters #136
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:Group Camping
Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Amanda's Trail #1386
- Cape Cove Trail #1364.1
- Cape Cove Trailhead
- Cape Perpetua Campground
- Cape Perpetua Group Campground
- Cape Perpetua Overlook Day Use
- Cape Perpetua Trailhead
- Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Captain Cook Trail #1364.2
- Captain Cook Trailhead
- Cooks Ridge Trail #1372
- Cummins Creek Loop Trail #1382-A
- Cummins Creek Trail #1382
- Cummins Creek Trailhead
- Devils Churn Day Use
- Discovery Loop Trail #1387
- Giant Spruce Trail #1365
- Gwynn Creek Trail #1371
- Oregon Coast Trail #1308
- Saint Perpetua National Recreation Trail #1306
- Trail of the Restless Waters #136
- Whispering Spruce Trail #1305
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area offers 26 miles of trail, featuring old-growth forests, Native American shell middens, the Devil’s Churn, tidepools and stunning views. Download a trail guide here.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:- Cape Cove Trail #1364.1
- Cape Cove Trailhead
- Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Captain Cook Trail #1364.2
- Devils Churn Day Use
- Discovery Loop Trail #1387
- Oregon Coast Trail #1308
- Saint Perpetua National Recreation Trail #1306
- Trail of the Restless Waters #136
- Whispering Spruce Trail #1305
Visitor Programs
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:- Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Captain Cook Trail #1364.2
- Discovery Loop Trail #1387
- Whispering Spruce Trail #1305
Visitor Centers
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Centers:Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Group Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:Alerts & Warnings
- CCRD: Running Event Taking Place June 3-4, 2023
- ODNRA: No water at Tyee Campground
- CCRD: Restrooms in Marys Peak Area Closed for Maintenance
- Hebo RD: Rainforest Trail closed for maintenance
- Central Coast RD: FS Rd 5590 Closed
- Mar 15-Sept 15 2023 Beach restrictions in effect to protect nesting Snowy Plover
