Bend, OR

Unbeknown to many, Cooks Chasm is actually considered a bay. This is despite the fact that it looks totally like the part of the ocean. Resting at the base of the Cummins Creek Wilderness, Cooks is one of those amazing sites. The difference between high and low tides totally changes the look and accessibility of different parts of the chasm. At high tide you get a wonderful display of the surging ocean that pounds against the walls of this chasm as well as forces the ocean into a blow hole to give the show of the spouting horn, likened to a minature geyser. At high tide, the best viewing area seems to be at the lookout but low tide offers up a lot more options for viewing, to include going down into the chasm itself. Unfortunately my timing wasn’t the best otherwise I would have ventured much farther.

At low tide, the chasm empties out and you can see the sands and by following the creek into the chasm you can walk part way up the chasm. Should you do this, stay close to the walls as the walking is easier and I would suggest no shoes, so you sink that much less. You are only able to go part way through the chasm as there isn’t a lot of time before high tide returns the water back into the chasm. I spent about 20 minutes and went only about 150’ the last time I was down there. Also, walking the edge of the chasm is much safer as well and will lead you out to the edge of the ocean. I would not suggest going to the edge unless it is low tide and you watch the waves.

When standing at the lookout, you can see the small bridge in which we all drive across (Hwy 101). Just on the other side of this bridge is Cummins Creek, a tiny rippling bit of water. If you are willing to take the short climb down the creek it leads you right down into the chasm.

It is an intense feeling of being right in the middle of the wild waters. Should you choose to climb down the creek please be safe and use simple repelling gear should you slip among the moist laden growth of the hillside, besides that, it makes it a bit easier to climb back up.

This spot is just 10 miles North of Florence before Newport if following the mapquest directions. The viewpoint is totally handicap accessible.