written by Kjersten Hellis | photo by Lijuan
White-capped waves churn inside a seemingly bottomless hole off the Oregon Coast at Cape Perpetua, filling and draining the hole in an endless loop. This natural phenomenon, called Thor’s Well, appears unfathomably large but is only 20 feet deep. Located just 3 miles from Yachats on the coast at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Thor’s Well has become a must-see location for thrill-seeking travelers. But be careful: Thor’s Well can be a dangerous spot. The basalt rocks are slippery and when a storm approaches the water gurgles and spits like an angry beast. Perhaps this is what won the spot the nickname “gate to hell.”