Bend, OR

My favorite all time place on any of the Oregon Coast is the Devil’s Churn. This place turns me into a crazy freak photographer and risk taker. I have been fascinated with the churn since I was 12 or 13 years old. It was my first time viewing this place and it happened to be low tide and I was able to see a small sea faring vessel back inside the cave that rests inside the punch bowl itself and ever since I have had this passionate desire to repel down inside. Unfortunately that will never happen as there is only a 20 minute lag time before the water starts coming back in.

The bowl sits down below the main park and is accessed by following the path down to the bottom. At the bottom, amazingly enough there is no railing as this whole area, once off the steps becomes a potential hazard zone. This is my favorite part. I wander to the edge and push the extremes against the sea. I go around the corner to view the entire ocean in front of me. I warily make my way in the other direction towards the cave. Sometimes I go slow other times I scurry like a crab. It is the most amazing adrenaline junkie rush to stand on the edge at high tide as the waves virtually cascade up and around you. Always remember, never to turn your back on the sea, especially down here.

Many people do go out among the rocks as I do but I’ve yet to really watch anyone stand at the edge and wander at high tide as I do.

For those who do not share this kind of extreme the state park does also offer a beach side of things where one can calmly walk without the worries of the high tide.

The Devil’s Churn is said to have been formed by the collapse of two different caves to form the one but there is no definite answer on that. The state park itself hosts hiking, picnicking, tide pools, view points, restroom facilities and is handicap accessible with the exception of going down to the ledge of the punch bowl.

Located 8 miles North of Newport on Hwy 101. Make this a must see stop on your way through as you won’t ever forget it. Know that tide tables can be found online quite easily.