Bend, OR

Stand along the high wild edged coastline and feel the wind, the sea breeze and watch the sun set or rise amongst this craggy face of the cliff that hosts Cape Perpetua. Wander among the 2700 acre forest that is denser than the Amazon Jungle, see the meat eating plants throughout this same forest and no they do not eat us humans. Take the little ones up to visit the giant spruce tree that is at least 30 feet thick and is written as 185 feet tall. The root system of this tree is definitely for the kids as there are steps so the kids can get in and play among the roots. From Old Spruce visitors can continue up a challenging trail system to the top where visibility is as far and wide as they eyes can see. Some say 150 miles in either North or South directions and 40 miles out to sea. For those who are physically challenged there is also a paved road system for motorized wheelchairs though it will not take you to the very top. Thos walking to the top must go slow and be careful as it is exceptionally slippery and rootbound. From up here I would love to have a glass house set inside this cliff, looking out to sea. From on atop of Perpetua I am also able to see Spouting Horn & Devil’s Churn. This would be as close as I could ever get to feeling complete synergy with the rest of the wild.

When we were down in the lower part of the cape we were able to view the geyser called spouting horn and unfortunately due to my hearing, I was unable to hear the horn make noises right before it blew as to where the kids could hear it. Both the large and small waves crash, obviously, against the rocky cave and cliffside but I found that the smaller waves will generally produce the biggest splashes. It is definitely the largest waves that create the thundering & roaring crash of the wild ocean.

Perpetua mesmerizes many with the views wether it be a clear day or a fogged in morning. I love wandering around the rich landscape. I am always curious as to what I will find as Perpetua still holds many signs of the Indians that lived here, even old piles of mussel shells from them are still here. So much of this area holds a timeless history and beauty and being able to see the remains of time past lets me step back into a history that is also long past. For some people this is akin to hunting for arrowheads. For me it is a time warp to a living past.

Cape Perpetua is accessed by using the same route to get from Bend to Newport and sits right right outside of Yachats. The map will help you in getting there. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/bend+or/yachats+or/