Devils Punchbowl Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Oregon

Oregon is a hiker's paradise, home to unforgettable trails with sweet-sounding names, like the Whispering Spruce Trail or Secret Beach. Sometimes, however, you may come across a scary-sounding hiking trail in Oregon that, honestly, isn’t scary at all. Devils Punchbowl Trail is one of these. While its ominous name might make you run the other way, this is no scary hiking trail in Oregon. Devils Punchbowl is a family-friendly walk to a remarkable natural wonder, a quiet beach, and ocean views full of wildlife.

What the Hike Is Actually Like

Devils Punchbowl is located in Otter Rock, Oregon, just a few miles north of Newport. The trail begins at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, a popular destination for picnics, whale watching, and capturing gorgeous Oregon Coast views. At just under one mile and with little elevation gain, the Devils Punchbowl Trail is an easy journey and one of the highlights of this state natural area. However, if you wish to venture down to the sandy shore instead of capturing the views from up above, there are some stairs you'll need to climb.

As you explore, you will walk along the side of a cliff and enjoy remarkable panoramic views. Stop along your way to rest and look out into the ocean; you may spot whales playing in the waves or seabirds soaring just over the water. In the summer months, colorful wildflowers line the wide trail, creating pops of color in this already postcard-worthy landscape. Plus, there are informational signs throughout your journey that tell you more about the sights and sounds around you, making this hike less scary-sounding and even lovelier.

Once you reach Devils Punchbowl, you’ll know why this is such a unique and bucket-list-worthy spot. The punchbowl is believed to have formed when a roof over two sea caves collapsed, and the force of the ocean waves created its unique shape. Stop along the trail and look down into this fascinating natural feature, or if you time your visit just right, you can even walk inside.

What To Know Before You Go

If you are brave enough to walk inside the Devils Punchbowl, timing is everything, and you must only visit during extremely low tide. If you walk inside when the tide is higher, Devils Punchbowl will fill up with water, trapping you inside. To enter, you must venture down the trail to the beach, and some rock climbing is required. If you don't want to risk entering the punchbowl, simply standing at the entrance provides remarkable views—this is a natural feature with incredible scenery from every angle.

Around the punchbowl, particularly on the north side, spend some time looking at the tide pools or walk along the beach and enjoy the waves as they roll into shore. In the winter months, the ocean can truly roar in this area and inside the punchbowl, so always be smart when exploring.

A day-use parking permit is required to park at the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, and parking is limited. Summer is the best time to visit, but make sure you bring plenty of water, as there is little shade on the trail. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for the hike as well.

Is Devils Punchbowl Worth Hiking?

Yes, Devils Punchbowl Trail sounds scary, but it’s nothing but a scenic, unique, and fascinating adventure on the Oregon Coast. It’s a destination where you can easily spend a few hours enjoying a picnic, searching for tide pools, walking along the beach, and getting up close to collapsed sea caves. If you are brave enough to step inside, just make sure you visit at extremely low tide. If not, this scary-sounding trail in Oregon really will become a frightening adventure.