• Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is a unique geological wonder
• Exploring the Arch from the bottom is possible at very low tides
Located between Depoe Bay and Newport, Otter Rock and Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area (Devils Punchbowl or Punchbowl for short) are among the most scenic coastal areas.
The Punchbowl looks just the way it sounds - a large round hole in the sandstone bluffs of Otter Rock. The most plausible theory of its creation is the collapse of the roofs of the two ocean-carved caves due to water and wind erosion. The formation itself may be as old as 18 million years!
Devils Punchbowl can be enjoyed both during calm weather at low tides and during high tides when you can see the power of the ocean unleashed! A fenced overlook at the large parking area is a great starting point for your exploration, regardless of tides and weather. Churning power waves fill the colorful Bowl from beneath during winter storms and king tides.
If you want to hike down to the beach to explore the Arch from the bottom, do it at very low tides. A trip from the parking lot to the Bowl's bottom and tidepools is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back hike. Go 2 blocks north on C Street and after 3rd Street, you will find a trail on the left down to a secluded Otter Crest Beach. Walk left to the archway entrance. Be careful, though; green seaweed makes rocks extremely slippery. Also, check the tides before you go -- they can come in quickly and leave you stranded.
A beach at the southern side of Otter Rock is the northern edge of Beverly Beach that extends 1.5 miles to Spencer Creek at Beverly Beach State Park. A wooden staircase brings you down to the sandy beach protected from the northern winds by Otter Rock's headland. This is a popular spot for surfers, beginners and experienced alike, skim-boarders and kayakers. Pura Vida Surf Shop, conveniently located near the parking area, provides numerous services, including rentals, repairs, and sales.
Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the park.
Devil's Punch Bowl State Natural Area sits in the community of Otter Rock, 5 miles from Depoe Bay and 8 miles from Newport, with access to numerous interesting places worth visiting on the Oregon Coast. This includes Cape Perpetua, Newport, with everything it has to offer, multiple beaches to explore, Oregon's lighthouses, and much more!
Devils Punchbowl Arch: : Camping & Lodging
The closest camping is available at Beverly Beach State Park 1.5 miles south.
Numerous lodging opportunities are available in Depoe Bay, 5 miles north and in Newport, 8 miles south.
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area | Facts
Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables
Activities: Hiking, surfing, fishing, nature viewing
Day-use fees: None
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is located:
- 8 miles north of Newport
- 76 miles west of Salem
- 106 miles southwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Devils Punchbowl Arch
From Lincoln City,
- Drive 17 miles south on Highway 101 to Otter Crest Loop at milepost 132
- Turn right on the right and and then left, staying on Otter Crest Loop
- Bear right on 1st Street and continue 0.4 miles to the destination.
From Newport,
- Drive 8 miles north on Highway 101 to milepost 133 (south entrance) on the left and follow the signs to Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area.
Was the Devils Punch bowl used in any movies? Also we were lucky enough to get out west, We are from Cleveland, Ohio around Labor Day 1993 and took some time and drove down the coast from Lincoln City. We can’t wait to get back that way. Any hints on the best time to visit the Devils Punch bowl again?
I am not aware of any movies Devils Punch Bowl was featured in.
There are two best times to visit Devils Punch Bowl. During low tide, you can walk inside the cave from the beach. Be careful not to get stranded. It is less safe to do it in winter months and during stormy weather.
During high tide and stormy weather, you can see Devil’s Punch Bowl in action with waves violently crushing inside the cavern. You can probably time your trip to enjoy both if you want to spend extra time in the area, but be super careful about walking inside the Devil’s Punch Bowl because the timing must be just right for it to be safe.