Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area

So different than I remember from many years ago when we visited. I know the ocean changes things but I wish there was a way to see more of the punch bowl. The parking is hard to get to and I really do feel sorry for the people that live close with all the tourists.

Sunrise at Devils Punch Bowl! Absolutely beautiful spot! For a real treat check out the yurt at otter beach. Its right next to Devils Punch Bowl... this beach is awesome!

This is a stop and gaze attraction. Beach side viewing from above on an improved sidewalk. The heavier the weather the better chance of seeing the punchbowl being active. Nature's beauty.

A stunning natural rock formation on the Oregon coast, perfect for taking in powerful ocean views and dramatic waves. A must-see stop for nature lovers, beautiful to see when it's high tide.

This is a great stop along the Oregon coast, it's really beautiful and a great place to take pictures. Great for kids too. You can go down to the beach and there is a tiny hill that is fun to climb out in the water. The punch bowl area itself is kinda jagged so be careful and wear good shoes, very slippery! All in all, great place to just watch waves and amazing if you go at the right time.

The first time I visited here was on an elementary school field trip. Many years later... it still has the same charm. Chowder at Mo's for lunch makes it a perfect must see view point. Make sure to drive the Otter Crest Loop while you're in the area. Really cool old, single lane for a while, scenic road.

Short little loop around the rim to gain a view of the bowl itself. There is a small parking lot up the road from where the actual park top is. Restrooms are available near the parking area. There is also a steep stair decline right across from the parking lot that will take you down to the beach....however, this has been closed temporarily for repairs (thank goodness because the wooden stairs were in rough shape).

The punch bowl was "empty", yet we left with hearts full of gratitude. It was a perfect and beautiful day at the coast. We enjoyed a natural waterfall with little streams heading towards the big, wide ocean just before sunset! We also found some sand shrimp (which we did not take). Who knew?

This is a must see along the Oregon coast! Oregon is filled with delightful treasures, and this is definitely one of the best'! Pictures don't do it justice, this is an amazingly beautiful sight. It is a bit of a hike from the top down to inside the bowl, come prepared with adequate walking/hiking shoes. There is a lot of wildlife, some of it endangered, so be sure to keep children in close tow and follow directions from the park volunteers.

This was one of our stops of many in Oregon this summer. Easy free parking close to bowl or parking lot. There was a guide on site, explaining everything and you can ask questions too. The whole area was clean and well maintained. Bathrooms and good are on site. The punch bowl was probably created by the collapse of the roof over two sea caves, then shaped by wave action. The Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area is a state day use park on the central Oregon Coast. It is centered on a large bowl naturally carved in a rock headland which is partially open to the Pacific Ocean. I highly recommend you stop to enjoy the history of the site.

This viewpoint off 101 is on a point so you can see north toward Depoe Bay and south toward Newport. Many sign warn about so turn around for RVs and trailers. I agree. But plenty of parking for gorgeous views and picnic at one of the tables. This is one of the MO's locations so yummy clam chowder is available. Otter Rock but they were hunted to extinction so the "heads" you see bobbing are really kelp! My reason to return? Views, surfers, path on Oceanside and flat parking/walk for seniors.

Devil's Punchbowl is one of many popular landmarks located right off Highway 101 going up and down the Oregon Coast. It's a natural wonder, but needs to be timed well for late afternoon and during high tide. Let me explain... Devil's Punchbowl (according to Wikipedia)...is a "large bowl naturally carved in a rock headland which is partially open to the Pacific Ocean. Waves enter the bowl and often violently churn, swirl, and foam". The key to visiting is...when the tide is coming in. Otherwise, you're looking at a large hole in the ground from an observation viewpoint. And unfortunately, that was my case for stopping by. I showed up around 2:30pm back over the summertime and the waters were barely budging. There was no movement or any action. That was deflating because...all I needed was 15 minutes to hang out by the overlook before losing interest. The good news in terms of if you don't catch the crashing waves exploding from the punchbowl, there are other opportunities down Highway 101 to catch those perspectives... Devils Churn is a very similar setting to here and situated just 35 miles south. There's also Thor's Well right next to Devils Churn. And Spouting Horn is also right beside them all. So...Devils Churn, Thor's Well and Spouting Horn are all located in Yachats, OR. You can pick one or two of them to watch their tides coming in and then spend the night in Yachats before continuing back on Highway 101 wherever your destination may be. That's what I'd suggest. In fact, Cape Perpetua Campground is great for spending the night under the stars, but you do need a reservation for camping there. Here are details about this Devil's Punchbowl... - Parking can be tricky because the lot is small. You may have to drive around a few times to find space. - Although a bunch of the attractions along Highway 101 cost $5 entrance fee, it's free to visit here. - Viewing Devil's Punchbowl is done from an observation point along the edge of the coast. There is a fenced in railing protecting you. Pictures can be difficult unless you're taking a selfie. - After hanging out looking at Devil's Punchbowl, there's a Moe's West Seafood and Clam Chowder shop which was nice for having a comforting bowl of soup as a midday snack. - Off to the side of Devil's Punchbowl, there's a staircase leading you down to the beach. I read it's a good spot for surfers. - I also read that you can actually enter inside Devil's Punchbowl when the waters are calm. That's scary (in my opinion). Even chancing it during low tide sounds safe, but if something were to happen and you get stuck inside the bowl, it's game over. In the end, Devil's Punchbowl probably has a lot of potential for visiting after storms or when the weather is rugged and Pacific Ocean waters are turbulent. If you happen to come by during peaceful summer days, you are missing out. It's tough to judge and wait for the right moment to come by, especially if you don't have unlimited time on your hands. Now that I'm more informed about the conditions and have reset my expectations, I hope to return in the future and discover better moments for capturing nature at its finest.

This is such a cool spot and a must see if you are in the area. Make sure to check the time tide time and get there at low tide. You can only access the cave during low tide. Otherwise, it will be full of water, and you will not be able to go in. It is such a cool place to explore. Lots of sea fish, crabs, and other cool sea life in the tide pools. Parking is free. I recommend parking closer to the beach entrance. Be sure to take a picture since cell phone reception is spotty here. I attached a map of how to get down to the beach. Make sure to wear good no slip shoes that can get wet. The rocks, especially the ones with the seaweed are very slippery. No flip-flops for this one. Not easily accessible if you are handicap or have any type of mobility issues. You do need to climb down a rocky area to get to the beach area once at the beach area. Once on the Beach Area, you'll follow the path to the opening that will lead you to the devils bowl. Make sure to take note of when high tide is. You do not want to be trapped in the cave during high tide. The devils bowl feels almost to the top with water during high tide. On your way back to the area to get back up to street level. Be sure to check out the other side too! There is a small waterfall and some other fun things to look at.

It's worth the drive to see a beautiful view from the bottom of the Devils Punchbowl. You get to see the beautiful waves that come into the arch. There are little baby crabs and fishes in the tidepools.

It had been 30'years since I was last here, and Devil's Punchbowl is still amazing, even if the bowl wasn't geysering out of the hole today. Why? WHALES!! We saw several whales, at least 15 sightings today in just under 30 minutes today, including a mother and her calf surfacing and blowing. It was an amazing experience watching them in nature, one that we did not expect. Glad we had out camera and binoculars! 5 amazing day at Otter Rock stars!!

Love this little gem! What a fun day! We took a weekend (two actually!) to drive up and down the coast of Oregon. So much to see and do. Stopped by the Devil's Punchbowl. SO COOL! Ample parking, easy access to both seeing the Punchbowl and down to the beach. 102 steps, total... just a heads-up, it is a hike down to the beach. The views are fantastic. Pictures galore! People are respectful and give you space to enjoy and soak in nature. The beach is lovely. Of course, I'm a sucker for a bunch of guys out there surfing (Forgive me Father, for I am horrible). The waves were rockin' and so were the surfers! Lovely to watch! The bathroom situation was acceptable. Great accessibility to rinse feet post beach and surfing. I'd absolutely go back for a stroll by the Punchbowl!

During my trip to Oregon, I've seen amazing ocean views, but this one was very interesting. My boyfriend's mom suggested that we check out Devils Punchbowl and we're very happy that we did. We came around on a Thursday afternoon and we bought her beagle with us. It was during the low tide when we were there so the "punchbowl" wasn't filling (or filled) up all the way. Maybe next time when we come back we'll aim for a time when it's high tide. Still amazing to see though. There is plenty of parking all around and if you can't find good parking near the entrance, there is a parking lot a little further down the road, but it's not a very long walk to and back. There is a Mo's Seafood restaurant on site if you are looking to grab something to eat. We saw a grand reopening sign on the front, so it looks like they had just reopened not too long ago after being closed for renovations. Great coast stop if you're ever in Lincoln City! And if you're here at the right time, you might see a full punchbowl.

Our final stop before our hotel on an afternoon drive up the coast was at Devil's Punchbowl. It is located not far off Hwy 101. Parking along the road fills up at the end of the road, so we had to park a few blocks from the beach in some additional public lots. Signage directing you to the overlook was not great, but we soon located it. You follow the road that dead-ends into the coast and then take the path to your left. Devil's punchbowl is a sort of cove / arch that is in danger of collapse, so you can only view it from above and at a distance. I was picturing more of a standing arch that you could walk to. It was okay for a brief stop. There are nice views of surfers a few yards away from atop the cliff on the opposite side of the bluff from the first overlook (just keep walking away from the road). It might be interesting to drive down to whatever beach that was and watch the surfers from closer range. Along the approach road within a block of the coast there are a few small businesses - an ice cream shop, a wine tasting room, maybe a restaurant? We didn't spend a lot of time here as it was too early for dinner and we wanted to press on to our hotel. As stated, not a bad quick stop, but the adjacent surfing beach might be even better.

Finally made it down and inside last weekend. Cool from the top, but cooler from the bottom. It can most definitely get slippery as you traverse the rock on your way inside, but it was worth it. The gorgeous colors that surround are otherworldly...and you'll miss out on that experience should you only peek from above. Gorgeous!

Beautiful place to stop and see. It's a caved in cave that water churns in and out of beautiful!!

One of my favorite places to stop on the coast. Always better when high tide is coming in and the weather is stormy. Devil's Punch bowl and Biker bay next door are an amazing view of nature's beauty off the Oregon Coast. Watching the water come in with the power into the punch bowl is always amazing. I learned that this spot has been around for 15M to 20M years, mind is blown . Great place to head down and surf, boogie board or get in the water at one of the best surfing spots which you can see up high from this view has a long shallow beach heading into the ocean. The beach on the south side of Devil's Punch Bowl cliff there is a stair case to head down. If you are traveling the coast it is worth the stop.

An interesting area, with minimal tourist activity. A nice view from the point, a MO's cafe, a wine shop, a treats shop (with fresh made fudge) and a surfing shop. There are stairs to the beach (lots of stairs) and a long, sandy beach. There is no lodging, (lots or rental properties) but one road north leads to an upscale resort; Otter Crest. The Punchbowl itself is amazing. From the resort side there is access to the Punchbowl, but only at low tide. It fills with water fairly quickly as the tide comes in.

The Devils Punch Bowl itself sits within the Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area, which is a piece of land that juts out into the Pacific, situated between Newport and Depoe Bay.  I use to stop many a time when I lived in Oregon. It is beautiful all the seasons. The cave ceiling came down and thus the punch bowl. Seen it in stormy weather with high seas spill and shoot out. Seen it calm and a beautiful green blue. As seen it empty. A must see if your in the area.

Beautiful area! We saw so many whales from the point. The Punchbowl itself is so cool!!! We stayed at The Inn at Otter Crest and there is a really pretty trail to walk to the Devil's Punchbowl. Highly recommend this nature spot!

What an awesome stop for gorgeous views from Otter Rock! There's a decent sized parking area available, located right across from a Mo's chowder! A nice paved path takes you along the fenced cliff line where there's views of devil's punchbowl and Moolack Beach. There's a trail you can take down to the beach, about 0.8 miles. Would highly recommend a stop!

Very easy to get to if you're in the Depoe Bay or Newport area! A simple view. Not much to do here besides see the bowl that was naturally carved into a huge rock on the coast. Very strong waves crash into the inside of the bowl and foam inside. It is really neat, but definitely not something to spend the whole day looking at. There is also a Mo's in the parking lot if you want some food with your view! I believe they have clam chowder and typical beach food there. On the drive toward the viewpoint, there's also a house with a tree covered in colorful boeys... a little strange, but an interesting sight.

Such a cool spot! Read on for instruction on how to get down in the punchbowl! The parking lot offers mediocre views of the punchbowl at best. Apparently this is an old cave that collapsed and lets sea water spew in and out of the top. We arrived at low tide which meant we were able to hike from the Otter Crest beach entrance inside the structure itself. PRO TIP: There is not a ton of parking at the Otter Crest beach entrance and the punchbowl is a pretty long walk from the path. However, it is TOTALLY worth it. At low tide you only need to walk through about knee depth water to get in the punchbowl and walk around on the rocks. Be careful to stay away from the waves, they are strong enough to knock you over on to the rocks. You will want to wear hiking shoes in here, even if you have to take them off to wade through the water. The rocks are very sharp and slippery. Plus there are barnacles everywhere. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. It ws my favorite thing we saw in Oregon. It is a truly unique rock structure

There are only 10 Devil's Punchbowls in the US so I had to see the only one located in Oregon. I used Apple Maps to locate this one, which wasn't very hard to find. Just be aware that the roads leading this are very narrow and requires a sharp turn to get here. You can park anywhere on the street and walk to the end of the cul de sac. When you look over the fence, you can't miss the Devil's Punchbowl because it's a giant cave-like punchbowl with tides of water splashing against it. Seeing it in person is very cool because of the surreal natural formation. There's a trail to walk down into the punchbowl, but I opted not to because of the high winds and chill factor. Taking pictures from above was good enough.

Super cool! There's a walkway to go down into it as well. Stop by the winery and surf shop while you're there!

Very interesting geological wonder at the end of a short road through a cute little area with a winery and some restaurants/coffee houses (?) - all closed due to wildfire smoke unfortunately. The gaping formation is thought to be a result of some sea caves collapsing. I think you used to be able to walk around in it, but it's all fenced off from what I can see. You might be able to access it from the beach somewhere but we weren't able to thoroughly explore due to the smoke and fog. Also could be dangerous if the tide is coming in. I think we caught it at low tide. It's a beautiful area, with rocks and caves and water swishing and swirling around deep in the "bowl"! It's a quick visit but may take up more time when the little shops are open or if you can hike around the area! Definitely something to see!

The creation of Devils Punchbowl is unknown, it is said to have been created by the collapse of the roof over two sea caves then shaped by wave action per the website for Oregon State Parks. If you are traveling along the coast I would recommend stopping here because the views are beautiful but I would not call it a must visit.

There are so many great things to see on the Oregon Coast! I can keep going back again and again and always see something new. Of course visiting old favorite spots is always worthwhile too! I didn't know anything about the Devil's Punchbowl and that we were actually going here because there is a winery very close here(which is great by the way, I have a separate review for that) and we were very pleasantly surprised to see the water churning in the "punch bowl". I don't think high tide was at it's peak when we were here but it was heading in that direction. There's also great beach views at this natural area as well!

Absolutely worth the visit! We were fortunate to visit on a sunny day and enjoyed all the views including the Devils Punchbowl.

Clean safe park beautiful place to be. Be careful on the rocks. The green rocks are slick and the brown rocks are slicker.

Wow y'all. This is every bit as majestic as I imagined. This is beautiful but whoa is it incredibly dangerous too. So we walked to the Punchbowl at low tide so we could go IN and it was slippery and insanely windy. I couldn't believe how strong the wind was. We came back for high tide and had to park up at the park and walk over to the Punchbowl. It wasn't clear that it was super full but it was still beautiful. I highly recommend it because it's a force of nature to be sure.

Really nice scenery of the coast. As other reviewers have said, it's still just a hole in the rocks that water flows in and out of. For me, it was more of a draw to see an expansive view of the ocean and to watch for whales. There are bathrooms nearby so that was handy.

If I can give this place 4 stars on an extremely windy, rainy, and foggy day... you should definitely check this place out. I'm from a small town in California that was right next to the ocean. I had my fair share of rainy, foggy, and ugly days.... but I can sense a beautiful spot even on its worse day. I came to Devil's punch bowl (or Thor's well) with the expectation of seeing the water fall through the massive hole that sits on this cliff. However, I did not. I should have known better and looked to see if it was high tide. From the photos I posted, it was extremely low tide. I'll admit, I was a bit disappointed, but didn't want to give up any type of hope and leave because of the storm. I walked around, checked out different angles of this place. Saw that they had picnic tables and another small area to walk to. I can imagine this place being so beautiful on a clear and sunny day. The sunsets here must be magical. I would definitely come back when the weather is warmer, or also when it is high tide. This place can be captured so beautifully in any type of whether to be honest.

If you look a rock carvings like a bowl is located at mile marker 129 of Scenic Highway Oregon 101. You have to get to Otter Crest Loop and 1st Street. There is not much parking space around that area. At the top of the cliff, the punch bowl rock carve can be found at the tip of park. You can look down the bowl and found natural bridge hole has the sea water come in and out of the hole. At the side is a rock shear face with a hole on top. The park has a trail to the beach. You can walk on.

This is a nice stop on highway 1 in Oregon just north of Newport. There's a small parking lot and a few little trails overlooking the devil's punch bowl. It's just a beautiful place along the coast and nice to get out and stretch your legs. There's also some stairs that will take you down to the expansive beach below. Definitely take 20 minutes or so to stop and enjoy the scenery. By the way across the parking lot is the Flying Dutchman wine tasting room and right next door is the Cliffside Coffee and Sweets. If you time your visit to the devil's punch bowl, get there around 10:00 grab a coffee at cliffside and maybe some sweets walk around view the sights etc. Then at 11:00 a.m. The flying Dutchman opens and go get your wine on. Party on!

Came back at high tide in June. It's still just a hole in the rocks. The water flows in and out. It's not a "must see" in my book, but it's not a terrible place to see.

Love this place! I've gotten some great pictures here especially during storms or king tides. Parking can be tricky on busy summer weekends as it is somewhat limited.

Stunning. Wonderful tide pools, with layers upon layers of ancient rock, for easy climbing and adventuring. Small caves and giant arches are etched into the cliff sides , alongside the enormous punch bowl itself. At low tide you can adventure into the punch bowl. High tide, the wave crash and fill the punch bowl with almost a geyser effect. 2018 #17

We love it here. The views are of dreams. The wind however, is of nightmares. You may get lucky and show up on a day that has calm weather. We did. One time. There is beach access but I've never gone down the stairwell that looks like it least a Mile Walk and that's down. And then you have to walk up the stairs. So I've never been down to the beach but I've seen it from afar. There is a park nearby with public bathrooms and a place to wash your feet off. There's Mo's Chowder House. The Flying Dutchman Winery. And lots and lots of things to look at. My wife and I love this area I'm sure you will as well.

First time I ever recall stopping here but we were spending a couple days at the coast and wanted to see different sites. We came here because we saw pics and read about going down and walking near it. This was not the case. Part of it may have been the time of year, but sections were closed off due to erosion. It was disappointing not to get close but it still was beautiful to see. So I'd say set your expectations accordingly. There are shops nearby if you want to grab a coffee or some taffy, plus public restrooms which are always nice. There is also beach access, but lots of stairs to get there, so depending you may want to go elsewhere for that. Still glad we went.

While in Newport, I stopped by to see what the hype was all about. Being on vacay mode, of course is didn't wake up early enough to arrive during low tide. By the time I arrived, the water was already slowly coming in making it difficult to get to the bottom without getting wet. My suggestions is you check the tide times online and got when it is at the lowest. The activity is completely free and has spectacular views. You will find access to the beach via stairs in front of public bathroom.

Located just outside Newport, Devi's Punch Bowl State Park is worth going to. Entrance and parking is free. Perfect spot for a picnic with tables and chairs strategically placed under huge trees with a view overlooking the ocean. Also a nice park for walking, hiking, surfing and whale watching. A few steps from the parking lot, head towards the ocean and see the lookout by the fence. The punch bowl was apparently formed upon the collapse of the roof of two caves from the relentless beating of strong waves. During high tide, you can see the strong waves going in which then swirls like a real punch bowl, until it releases back to the ocean. During low tide, you can follow a hiking trail with wooden staircase that'll lead you to the actual punch bowl minus the waves. There are also several stores in the area which include a winery and a Mo's restaurant, a must whenever in this part of Oregon for its famous clam chowder in a bread bowl. There is also a surfing store/school because this park is a favorite for surfers due to its strong waves.

Fantastic point of interest and I a wonderful beautiful beach to walk. Views are spectacular.

Quick Stop for some photos.... parking lot packed. Businesses closed due to Covid-19. Beautiful vantage point.

Very beautiful park. The Top has great views. Otter beach to the North has a great beach, with a waterfall. You can find agates if you look for hours.

Not much to do here ... and it's still 5 stars. Duh ... Like Billie Eilish, the Devil's Punchbowl is mesmerizing, but precarious. At the brink ... start to think. Punch bowl ... but no drink. Surf swirls ... like a slow sink. In the cliff ... there's a hole. Meet me ... by the Punchbowl. The Devil spiked this punchbowl with churning Pacific waves and Oregon weather because a dull punch bowl is against nature ... and no way to socialize at Otter Park on the Central Oregon Coast. We saw whales and surfers from the cliffs overlooking the Devils Punchbowl. Nearby, visitors enjoyed picnics and the ocean air, but it was the thundering constant churn inside the hollow sandstone formation which kept our interest. The Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is free and so is the parking in one of the few spots. We lucked into one just steps from the cliffs. We also lucked into a gorgeous sunny afternoon. You don't need much time, but you should take time for the Punchbowl. It's precarious and mesmerizing. Oregon: Our coast couldn't be more beautiful. Devil: Hold my punch.

Tip: visit during low tide or negative tide so you can walk in the punchbowl. We came about an hour before low tide and were only able to see the punchbowl from the top where the observation area is. There are a few local shops to stop in on the street but not much else. There a little winery, a fudge shoppe and a surf shop. The parking is free but limited. I really enjoyed the drive up from Portland and would definitely recommend this tourist site. Check it out if you're in or around OR. The coves are absolutely gorgeous. We visited early August and the breeze was quite chilly so bring a sweater.

The amazing creations made by Mother Nature using the power of the sea. That is just a little joint back off the Highway but the view is well worth it. Photogenic views no matter what the weather. A must see for all family members.

The view of the Oregon Coast from this area is quite spectacular and is worth the visit. The area is very windy at times (it was when we were there), but that didn't take away from our enjoyment of the view. The punchbowl was not spraying water when we visited, but it was still an interesting geologic site and there's a cute winery nearby (Flying Dutchman Winery) that has an amazing view of the coast as well. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

We visited this spot on a very breezy cooler day. Parking was a bit of a mess as it's limited. This was a get out, get the shot, get back in event.

Worth a stop if you are heading up the Oregon Coast highway. Free parking with free bathrooms. Beautiful view of the formations and the coast, there is also a staircase down to the beach. Easy to socially distance since there is lots of space. We felt very safe visiting.

Great place to stretch the legs, see "The bowl" and have a picknic. Plenty of tables, views and clean state restrooms about 2 blocks from "The bowl". Worth stopping and seeing no matter the weather.

Great place off the beaten path on the 101 just south of Depoe Bay, this great little scenic viewpoint is a great place to stop and kick back for minute. In addition, you have a branch location of Mo's restaurant, and also the Flying Dutchman small craft winery right here in this little stop. Plenty of parking however on a busy summer day, do expect to have to wait a little while for a parking spot. There is a larger spot for beach goers that is just East of the Punch Bowl. There is also beach access at this point, basically a lot of stairs that will take you down to the beach. From the upper side, there is a small little walk way that wind's it's way around. There are also picnic spots for you to enjoy your lunch or just to take a break. Keep in mind that this is a very windy place, so make sure that you are keeping track of your stuff otherwise you will find your lunch blowing down the walkway. There are also plenty of very plump squirrels who are more than capable of coming up and taking your food from you right there on the spot. All in all a great little respite while traveling the 101.