Oregon’s Central Coast (Part 2)

Seal Rock, OR

Elephant Rock

An elephant is not what we expected to see at Seal Rock; but here it is. Can you see it?

Little Creek Scenic Overlook

This beautiful spot just south of Seal Rock State Recreation Site is best caught at low tide. It has incredible tide pools that are easily accessed and full of wildlife.

Yachats, OR

Ocean View Viewpoint

After walking around the little town of Yachats and having a light lunch we head down to Ocean View Viewpoint to see the Yachats River inlet.

Cleft of the Rock Light

Built in 1976 by a former lighthouse keeper as a labor of love and a a replica of the former Fiddle Reef Lighthouse, Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse is located on a bluff near Cape Perpetua. Attached to the home of it’s former keeper, this lighthouse is somewhat mysterious as it is a private residence and can barely be seen through the trees from Hwy 101.

The tower stands 34 feet tall, has a focal plane 110 feet above the sea, and sends out a beam that can be seen 16 miles out to sea. It was never intended to be considered for lighthouse designation; but in 1979 the light was made an official navigational aid.

Cape Perpetua Overlook Trail

The Saint Perpetua Trail, leading up to the Overlook Trail is rated as one of Oregon’s most scenic trails. Leaving from the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center it crosses Cape Creek and goes through the campground before winding it’s way over 800 feet up through the forest of Cape Perpetua. There are many viewpoints along the trail; but the best views are from the old stone shelter right on the edge of Cape Perpetua.

Devil’s Churn

Devil’s Churn is a narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean where you can watch the powerful churning action of the crashing waves.

Overlook

The overlook, part way down the trail gives a good idea of the scope of this natural masterpiece and as the tide comes back in we are treated to quite a show.

The Churn

As we continue further down the trail and onto the rocks, we are drawn further along the edge by what sounds like cannon fire. We end up going all the way to the back of the inlet where we find a sea cave. It’s here we discover that it’s the waves hitting the back of sea cave creating these incredibly loud booms.

Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve

Once we leave Devils Churn, we walk around the base of Cape Perpetua to gain access to the Captain Cooks Trail, the Marine Reserve, and the natural wonders held within.

Thor’s Well

One of the “must see” natural wonders on the west coast is Thor’s Well, a basalt rock “sinkhole” estimated to be 20 feet deep. It’s supposed to be at it’s explosive best an hour before high tide when the incoming waves force the water to explode out of the “well” in very dramatic fashion. We’ve timed it well and should get quite a show.

Cooks Chasm & Sprouting Horn

Another major draw to this area is Cook’s Chasm and it’s Sprouting Horn. Sprouting Horn is essentially an “ocean geyser”. Over the years, the edge of Cook’s Chasm has been undercut creating a cave. The roof of this cave then created a hole or crack; which now allows incoming waves to push a combination of air and water into the cave. As soon as enough pressure builds the water explodes out of the opening just like a geyser. It’s said the sight and sound resembles a whale exhaling. We unfortunately, did not get to experience this one.

Mapleton, OR

Today’s adventure takes us inland and up into the forest for a couple of Oregon’s most highly rated hikes to see some of Oregon’s best waterfalls.

The road to Kentucky Falls

Weaving up and around mountains, across rivers, and through a couple of different kinds of forests we finally reach the Kentucky Falls Trailhead. Along the way, we get this incredible panoramic view north from just below “Roman Nose Mountain”.

Kentucky Falls Trail

The Kentucky Falls Trail is 4.6 miles with over 1,000 feet of elevation change. This remote trail within the Siuslaw National Forest is a challenge; but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Upper Kentucky Falls

The first waterfall we reach is the Upper Kentucky Falls. This waterfall has several small tiers before it drops 88 feet into the Kentucky River.

As we continue to follow the trail along Kentucky Creek, we can hear several more small falls; but the foliage is so thick that we can’t see them.

Where Two Rivers Meet

After descending several switchbacks toward the end of the trail, we come around a corner to see where Kentucky Creek joins the North Fork Smith River in a dramatic fashion. There are two waterfalls over 100 feet tall creating this incredible sight of dueling waterfalls.

We knew there were three falls on this trail; but never expected to see this.

Lower Kentucky Falls (Right)

The Lower Kentucky Falls drops 117 feet…

North Fork Falls (Left)

…and the North Fork Falls drops 125 feet into the North Fork Smith River.

Once we get back to the trailhead, we continue to travel the Siuslaw Forest roads to visit the Sweet Creek Falls before heading back to the coast.

Sweet Creek Falls Trail

After a few re-routes due to blocked roads, we reach the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead and set out on the trail. It’s a beautiful trail with wild flowers and moss covered trees that weave in and out of the forest following Sweet Creek. The trail is less than 2 miles long; but it offer two descent waterfalls and several smaller falls.

Trail

Sweet Creek Falls

At the southern end of the trail is Sweet Creek Falls with a 70 foot drop.

Unmarked Falls

The Unmarked Falls start high on the hill; but is really hard to see through the trees. This is the only part that can be clearly photographed.

Annice Falls

At the north end of the trail, we see Annice Falls with it’s 35 foot visible drop. These falls then continue down several more rock tiers until we reach the broken bridge and cannot go any further.

Next Stop… Oregon’s Central Coast (Part 3)