top of page

A Bucket-list Adventure

Draining the Sea

Thor's Well

What They Are about

Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, a gaping, seemingly bottomless sinkhole swallows the unbroken stream of seawater around it. Thor’s Well, as the natural wonder is known, is not actually bottomless; it is, however, very dangerous.

Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, the well is actually a hole in the rock that only appears to drain water from the ocean. According to some researchers, the Well probably started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves, before the roof eventually collapsed and created openings at the bottom and top through which the ocean sprays. The huge hole is likely only around 20 feet deep, but it still manages to produce amazing sights. (Not for the faint of heart, however!)

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, unsuspecting visitors to the site run the risk of being swept right into the maelstrom. Regardless of the risks, photographers and nature lovers continue to flock to the stunning fountain to see the aggressive waters that live up to their godly namesake’s stormy personality. 

Our Notes 

  • 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.

  • Just South of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center in Cook's Chasm, Oregon. Park on the West side of Highway 101 to see it below.

Thor's Well

2400 US-101

Yachats, Oregon

Upgrade Listing to Add Phone

Upgrade Listing to Add Email

Nov4__Logo LG Blk Wht Border.png

Google Map

Subscribe to HVH

Hudson Valley happenings

Images and Content ©2019-2022 by Hudson Valley Happenings and Photo Contributors 

Logo June 19 Ulster Studio_Logo Compact

Designed by Ulster Studios LLC | New York, NY

www.ulsterstudios.com | info@ulsterstudios.com

bottom of page