The Devil’s Churn
A wonderful ocean side site, it is a beautiful location with trails leading down to the ocean and the churn. If it has been raining the trails can be very slippery so choose the right footwear to walk safely. The churn is best viewed at high tide to get the most from your visit. You will appreciate the power of the ocean as you watch the wave’s crash spectacularly against the rocks! It is both audibly, and visually stimulating. You can even feel the power of the waves colliding against the rocks and the sea spray hitting your face. Totally worthwhile stop! We stayed for a few hours watching and listening, taking plenty of pictures and videos. A great ½ day trip enjoyed by adults and smaller children alike. Exercise caution on how close you get to the waves as larger ones can sweep you off your feet, and rocks can be quite slippery. Oregon is known for “Sneaker Waves” and they can be deadly.
Do not miss the opportunity to stop and enjoy this phenomenon whether it is sunny or raining it can be a great experience. The trail to the beach headed south from the parking lot is a moderate trail and the children can enjoy the shore and climb on the driftwood logs or make little huts. If you mistakenly plotted the tide don’t despair the tide pools are great fun to explore, but check the Ranger station for the correct time for high tide and come back.
Things to know
- $5.00 per vehicle entry fee required, or valid recreation pass.
- No RV’s will fit in lower parking area, A small RV could fit in the upper lot under 30ft, depending on volume of occupancy.
- Half way between South Jetty and Whaler’s Rest Thousand Trails Parks, about 45 minutes from either park.
- Trail down to water’s edge can be slippery use caution while navigating, waves can be dangerous so watch children, and maintain a safe distance from the edges.
- One flush toilet in the bathroom and potable water on site.
Address: North of the Cape Perpetua scenic area, in Lincoln County, Oregon, in the Siuslaw National Forest. It is located just south of Yachats, OR on the 101. There is a parking area with an upper and lower lot.
Phone: 541-547-3289
Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42293
Season/Hours: Open all year round
Mon-Sun Open daily