Oregon Coast Romantic Getaway

Cape Perpetua

Imagine getting married with this view reflecting in your sweetheart’s eyes. Check with the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, or the Siuslaw National Forest Central Coast Ranger District, for rules on a small, intimate, wedding at the old stone fort atop Cape Perpetua.

Cape Perpetua Overlook - 800' above the Pacific Ocean

Cape Perpetua Campground is found within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and is open from mid-May through mid-September.  This location provides numerous enjoyable and educational opportunities for all ages and abilities along the rocky coastline and in the coastal forest. Attractions include the Giant Spruce Trail, Spouting Horn, and West Shelter.  27 miles of hiking trails that lead to the Giant Spruce, Cape Visitor Center, tidepools, and St. Perpetua (“one of the Best views on the Oregon Coast”) can also be accessed from the campgrounds.  You can also view whales during migration seasons, and observe ancient American Indian “shell middens.”

The nearby Visitor Information Center provides educational and hands-on activities as well as guided naturalist programs, walks, and interpretive exhibits Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.

Marine Gardens at Cape Perpetua

Tidepooling is a favorite activity for Cape Perpetua campers. 

Cape Perpetua Campground Sign

2200 Hwy 101 S, Yachats, OR 97498

Turn east from Hwy 101 to enter the campground or go up to the day use area at the top of the mountain.  This is the overlook where you can see the coastline and the old stone building. 

27 miles of hiking trails

The extensive trail system is accessible from Cape Perpetua Campground.

Cape Perpetua Group Area

The group area contains a pavilion and group fire ring.  It can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.

Cape Creek

Cape Creek runs through the campground.  All but 2 campsites are adjacent to the babbling brook.

Tidepools

Enjoy tidepools in the Marine Gardens via a short, moderate, hike on a groomed trail.  The trail climbs up to the Visitor Center, then down, under Hwy 101, to the tidepools.

This photo shows a sea lemon (yellow) and iridescent seaweed (blue and brown). 

Sturdy Bridges Over Cape Creek

Traverse the creek over several bridges to get to the Visitor Center or the Giant Sitka Spruce tree in this old-growth forest.

Tidepooling with the Rangers

Check with the Visitor Center to see when a Ranger will be at the tidepools.  It is worth it to have someone point out some of the things that you may not know to look for.  Or download the free picture guides before you go.

Lush Rainforest

Berry bushes, ferns, giant spruce and Douglas fir trees provide a lush camping environment.

Paved Parking

Keep all wheels on the pavement.  Some sites have lots of room for you big rig.

Secluded Campsites

​Some sites are more secluded than others.

Restrooms

Cape Perpetua has 4 flush restroom buildings; cared for daily by the onsite Campground Hosts.

Banana Slug

These are some huge slugs.  If your child brings one home, just use gasoline to remove the slime from their hands.

Ochre Sea Stars

​Sea Stars are a prominent creature in the Marine Gardens of Cape Perpetua.  But they are not the only fun critter to look for.

A View of Yachats

North of Cape Perpetua is the charming coast town of Yachats.

Sea Lion Viewing

Sea Lion Caves is about 13 miles south of Cape Perpetua on Hwy 101.  Stop at the overlook before the caves to get a glimpse of the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse on the coast.  Sometimes the sea lions are hauled out on the rocks at the base of the overlook.

Spouting Horn from Cook's Chasm

Cook's Chasm is about 1/2 mile south of Cape Perpetua Campground on Hwy 101.  You'll enjoy stunning views and sounds of the ocean's power.  A paved trail takes you closer to observe Spouting Horn and Thor's Well or just sit and watch whales or the entrancing sunset from the overlook.

Restrooms

Flush restrooms and drinking fountains are provided for campers and hikers. 

Sea Birds and Shore Birds

The black birds with orange beak are Oyster Catchers.

Yachats Beach Road

Watching waves is as entrancing as watching a campfire.

Cape Perpetua Campground Map

The campground is about a 1/4 mile long. 

As you travel through the old growth temperate rainforest, you’ll discover trees over 10 feet in diameter just a mile away from the ocean. During low tide you can investigate the teeming life in the tidepools of the marine gardens.  Located two miles south of Yachats on Highway 101, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area provides an excellent flavor of what makes central Oregon Coast so unique.

The campground is paved and has flush toilets.  The 38 conventional sites are suitable for tent, RV or trailer.  There is also one large group site which will accommodate up to 50 people.