Dubbed the "Drainpipe of the Pacific," Thor's Well is actually only 20 feet deep — but as the water rushes in from the Pacific Ocean, its depths appear unfathomable.
Danita Delimont Creative / Alamy Stock PhotoThor’s Well, the dramatic sea cave on the Oregon Coast.
At high tide, it looks like the Pacific Ocean is draining into a circular hole in the middle of Cape Perpetua, just south of Yachats, Oregon. While its dramatic appearance has earned it nicknames such as “the Drainpipe of the Pacific” and the “Gate to Hell,” this site is actually called Thor’s Well. It’s a peculiar sea cave which formed slowly over thousands of years.
Alongside other similar geological formations in Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well has long drawn spectators to this corner of the Oregon Coast. Not only can sightseers gaze upon the cave as it appears to “swallow” the Pacific Ocean, but it also generates spectacular water displays at high tide.
The increasing popularity of Thor’s Well and the surrounding area has led to a growing number of visitors. And as tourism continues to grow, ongoing conservation efforts are essential to maintain the well’s integrity and ensure future generations can experience its awe-inspiring sight.
What Is Thor’s Well, The ‘Hole’ In The Pacific Ocean Located On The Oregon Coast?
Aaron Hockley / FlickrThor’s Well after a midsummer rain storm.
From the beach in Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well looks like a dangerous, bottomless hole sucking in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It’s such a mind-boggling site that, according to Go Wander Wild, local legends state that it was created by Thor himself, the Nordic god of thunder and storms. The Norse deity purportedly struck the earth and created the gaping hole.
But though it looks fathomless, Thor’s Well is actually only 20 feet deep. And while some have called it a sinkhole, it actually appears to be a sea cave. This curious natural phenomenon formed over thousands of years as waves ate into the volcanic rock on Cape Perpetua’s shoreline.
At high tide, when the sea cave is full of water, the waves ricochet all the way to the top and create a violent spray that explodes over the surrounding rocks. The sea water then drains back into the hole. Thor’s Well is thus constantly overflowing and refilling, giving it the appearance that the Pacific Ocean is forever being swallowed by the sinkhole.
Diana Robinson/FlickrWaves crashing over Thor’s Well.
The ocean pressure and the wind contribute to the majestic geyser-like ocean sprays. Winter storms can produce especially incredible sights, but they’re also treacherous. Bigger storms mean that sneaker waves — powerful and unexpected — are more likely to form along the coast.
Additionally, visitors always have to be on the lookout for the area’s wildlife, which includes seals, sea lions, and otters. Further out at sea, eagle-eyed visitors to Thor’s Well might also be lucky enough to spot a gray whale.
The Best Time To Visit This Mesmerizing Natural Phenomenon
Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock PhotoThor’s Well surrounded by large waves, on perhaps a stormy day in Oregon.
To see Thor’s Well at its most dramatic, visitors should visit at high tide or during a storm. The official website for Yachats, Oregon additionally suggests that visitors show up about an hour before high tide, so that they can see the sea cave slowly fill up, and observe how it interacts with the varying levels of the incoming tide.
“The site is most spectacular at high tide, or during storms when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the hole. 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,” the Yachats, Oregon website states.
However, these times can also be the most dangerous moments to visit, as sudden waves along the coast can pull in unsuspecting sightseers.
For those willing to take the risk, this is when Thor’s Well really shows off. During storms or when the tide comes in, water smashes over the the sea cave and cascades into the deep pit. Those who visit the area at high tide, during storms — or both — should be cautious about getting too close, however, as those aforementioned sneaker waves can be dangerous.
Tetra Images, LLC / Alamy Stock PhotoThe best time to visit Thor’s Well is during a storm or during high tide — or both.
Should someone be unlucky enough to fall into the hole, it might be difficult to climb out of Thor’s Well without being battered by the waves.
For those lacking sturdy sea legs, rest assured — Thor’s Well is still a magnificent sight even at low tide. Then, it’s much calmer, and it might even be possible to get a bit closer to its edge.
The Other Geological Sites Of Cape Perpetua
Charles Peterson / FlickrThe rocky edges of Spouting Horn, with Thor’s Well at the bottom of the image.
Though Thor’s Well is a stunning site all on its own, there are several other eye-catching attractions in or near Cape Perpetua.
Close to Thor’s Well is Devil’s Churn, an inlet that has been carved into the rock over many thousands of years. Like Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn is a rock formation that eventually collapsed in on itself. As a result, the water can spray up hundreds of feet into the air at high tide, a phenomenon that is both frightening and awe-inspiring.
“This deep chasm exposes the shoreline’s volcanic history and shows the relentless, violent power of the ocean,” the U.S. Forest Service wrote of Devil’s Churn. “The chasm likely started as a narrow fracture or collapsed lava tube in the volcanic bedrock. Over many thousands of years under the constant pounding force of the ocean waves it’s now more than 80 feet wide where it opens at the ocean.”
Joe Mabel/Wikimedia CommonsWaves crashing at Devil’s Churn.
Spouting Horn is another nearby natural attraction that developed near Cape Perpetua over the centuries. An ocean geyser, it explodes upward at high tide, creating a mesmerizing view.
Though these formations are generally considered to be no more dangerous than the Pacific Ocean itself, accidents — some fatal — have occurred along Cape Perpetua in recent years. Slippery rocks and sneaker waves can be treacherous, and at least one person died in recent years while trying to jump across Devil’s Churn.
Still, that hasn’t deterred people from visiting Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, and other geological formations in the area. And sightseers aren’t the only ones who’ve flocked to Cape Perpetua. Thor’s Well has also drawn scientists who use the cave as a natural laboratory. There, they study oceanography, coastal erosion, and geology. In 2017, scientists even used underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs) to get a closer look at the sea cave.
But this has also meant that new protections have been put in place.
Protecting Thor’s Well From Overtourism
For beautiful natural sites like Thor’s Well, popularity can sometimes be a bad thing. But locals along the Oregon Coast have long worked to protect Thor’s Well and other geological formations through efforts to regulate access to the site, remove trash and other waste, and raise awareness.
Thor’s Well is also protected as part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. And on the trail to the area’s sites, the park has put up signs warning visitors to stay on the trail, to not leave waste, and to be vigilant of their surroundings. These initiatives are crucial as the area’s stunning beauty and natural attractions continue to draw significant numbers of visitors.
John Fowler/Wikimedia CommonsA stunning look at Thor’s Well at high tide.
As such, visitors to Thor’s Well should be both respectful and careful. While avoiding sneaker waves or slippery rocks, visitors should also be mindful to not leave behind any trash or to act in a way that might destroy the formation. Thor’s Well, and other formations in the area, have been around for thousands of years. Hopefully, they’ll be around for thousands more.
After learning about Thor’s Well off the coast of Oregon, go inside the incredible story of Oregon’s “Exploding Whale Incident” of 1970. Or, discover the story of the Oregon Vortex, a mysterious site that seems to defy gravity.
