Thor's Well

Tourist attraction · Lincoln County

Thor's Well

Tourist attraction · Lincoln County

2

Yachats, OR 97498

Photos

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Thor's Well by dctsystems (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by JFMJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by Thomas Shahan/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by JFMJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by JFMJ (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by falynnk (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by Michel Matton/CC BY-SA 4.0
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Thor's Well by John Fowler/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by Mark Gunn/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by Mark Gunn/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by bernardgomez (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by John Fowler/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by archermusicservice (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by Michel Matton/CC BY-SA 4.0
Thor's Well by falynnk (Atlas Obscura User)
Thor's Well by John Fowler/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by John Fowler/CC BY 2.0
Thor's Well by Thomas Shahan/CC BY 2.0
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Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
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Thor's Well by null
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Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null
Thor's Well by null

Highlights

Also known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific, this hole in the rock seems to drain the ocean away.  

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Yachats, OR 97498 Get directions

oregon.gov

Information

Static Map

Yachats, OR 97498 Get directions

oregon.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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50 Obscure and Amazing Places to Visit in 2017

"Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, a gaping, seemingly bottomless sinkhole swallows the unbroken stream of seawater around it. Thor’s Well, as the natural wonder is known, is not actually bottomless; it is, however, very dangerous.   Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, the well is actually a hole in the rock that only appears to drain water from the ocean. According to some researchers, the Well probably started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves, before the roof eventually collapsed and created openings at the bottom and top through which the ocean sprays. The huge hole is likely only around 20 feet (six meters) deep, but it still manages to produce amazing sights. (Not for the faint of heart, however!) The site is most spectacular at high tide, or during storms when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the hole. During these sudden torrents, unsuspecting visitors to the site run the risk of being swept right into the maelstrom. Regardless of the risks, photographers and nature lovers continue to flock to the stunning fountain to see the aggressive waters that live up to their godly namesake’s stormy personality. 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." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/the-50-most-wondrous-places-to-visit-in-2017
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@atlasobscura

Jessica Mendoza's 16 Watery Wonders of the Western United States

"Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, a gaping, seemingly bottomless sinkhole swallows the unbroken stream of seawater around it. Thor’s Well, as the natural wonder is known, is not actually bottomless; it is, however, very dangerous.   Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, the well is actually a hole in the rock that only appears to drain water from the ocean. According to some researchers, the Well probably started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves, before the roof eventually collapsed and created openings at the bottom and top through which the ocean sprays. The huge hole is likely only around 20 feet (six meters) deep, but it still manages to produce amazing sights. (Not for the faint of heart, however!) The site is most spectacular at high tide, or during storms when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the hole. During these sudden torrents, unsuspecting visitors to the site run the risk of being swept right into the maelstrom. Regardless of the risks, photographers and nature lovers continue to flock to the stunning fountain to see the aggressive waters that live up to their godly namesake’s stormy personality. 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." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/jessica-mendozas-16-watery-wonders-of-the-western-united-states
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Rick White

Google
Hearing the thunderous waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing onshore and seeing the Spouting Horn blow out water with each wave makes this place amazing. Highly recommend stopping here to enjoy the show during a Pacific Coast Highway adventure.

Sofia Rodriguez

Google
so beautiful!! be careful at high tide because the water can come up very close. would recommend a jacket since it tends to be quite windy. it requires climbing on a few rocks in order to truly see the well but a great spot overall!!

Grant Erickson

Google
Awesome stop while driving down 101. High tide is the best to see this natural phenomenon. Technically you can walk as close as you like, but I'd exercise caution as quite a few waves broke quite close. Best be sure footed.

Lisa

Google
A beautiful representation of the Pacific coast. There is a small strip for parking on the side of 101 where you can adequately see the well from a distance. If you're the adventurous type, there is a path down to the rocks, and you may be able to walk directly up to the well if the tide is low enough. You can see all sizes of seastars clinging to the interior walls of the well. Just be careful as the waves come up without warning and flood the area.

Juan Sebastian Charria

Google
This is a MUST if you are in Oregon visiting! Thor’s well is a spectacle of nature! The sunsets there are spectacular and it will be full of photographers so get there early to get a good spot! Bring a wind breaker! It gets really windy! And enjoy the show!

Sarah Smith

Google
This was a very fun stop to see the power of the ocean at its best. Ho as it’s reaching high tide for best display of water. Easy access on path, not far from road. Can watch from car park as well.

JIMMY GAO

Google
Thor's Well is a mesmerizing coastal phenomenon along the Oregon coastline, where the ocean seemingly drains into a gaping sinkhole, creating a natural spectacle. The well's cyclical ebb and flow, accentuated during high tide and stormy weather, make it a captivating display of the sea's power. Accessible at Cape Perpetua, witnessing Thor's Well demands timing and patience. As waves surge and retreat, the well momentarily transforms into a cascading waterfall, showcasing nature's rhythmic dance. The surrounding rocky shoreline and dramatic cliffs add to the enchantment. Photographers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to Thor's Well for its visual drama and unique coastal ecosystem. The site's blend of geological wonder and maritime beauty creates an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the magic of the Oregon coast and the captivating allure of nature's wonders.

Thadeus Hanson

Google
This is another iconic place to visit along the Oregon coast. There is no bathroom at the site, so take care of your business before visiting! The parking fills up quickly and is right along a busy highway. You will literally be backing out into oncoming traffic. The views are worth any challenges. It was one of the places I'd been hoping to visit when first moving to Oregon and it did not disappoint!