This trail is well named as it descends down the bluff to Devils Churn where the water is constantly churning and crashing on the rocks sending spray many feet into the air. There is a large paved parking area here on the south-bound side of U.S. 101, with a visitor's center and facilities. Large RV's can be accommodated here.
The trail is a switch back through the bushes and wind swept trees with several good viewpoints along the way. It is partially asphalt and well maintained. After reaching the Devils Churn, the trail trail loopes south along the rocks connecting with the Cape Cove Trail, which in turn connects to Captain Cook's Trail making it possible to walk all the way to Cook's Chasm.
DEVIL'S CHURN, OREGON
Devil's Churn is a 100-foot notch in the basalt rocks of the Oregon coast where the waves are funneled in to the narrow wedge, concentrating the energy as they churn and crash against the sides, and the east end where spray may surge 30 meters high. The surrounding rocks, especially on the south side, however, offer some of the most dramatic wave spouts.
THE POWER OF DEVILS CHURN
Pulverizing and pounding. Crashing and smashing.
Endlessly, relentlessly, the Pacific Ocean careens into Devils Churn, until the crescendo of waves explodes in a riot of white froth . . .and then escapes back to the sea.
Showtime!
Devils Churn puts on its most dramatic shows during high tides and storms.
Devils Churn began as a small fracture -- a weak area in the ancient volcanic rock.
Thunderous waves have gnawed at the rock for eons, eroding it away grain by grain, enlarging the crack into a chasm.
As you approach, you’ll feel the power of the churn like thunder in your bones, and anticipate each collision of wave and rock like bursting fireworks!
Access to the churn is easy from the viewpoint off of U.S. 101 south bound, where there is ample parking, rest facilities, and a visitors center. There is a well-maintained paved switch-back trail that leads to several good viewpoints, and all the way down to the base of the churn and the rocks.
CAPE CREAK BEACH at CAPE PERPETUA, OREGON\
There is also good access from the Cape Cove Trail and beach then over the rocks from the south. It is part of the larger Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, as the churn is actually at the base of Cape Perpetua, the jutting headland that is the highest point on the Oregon Coast, rising to a height of 800 feet.
There is also good fishing off of these rocks - for ocean perch especially. Finding some kelp worms will provide the best bait. And, the tide pools between here and Cape Creek Beach are fantastic, teeming miniature ecosystems in themselves with anemones, urchins, seastars, hermit crabs, among many other forms of sea life.
At Cape Creek there is a wonderful campground among the majestic trees along the length of the creek, and a well equipped visitors center just beyond here. There is a network of many miles of trails, and a road that goes to a viewpoint at the top of Cape Perpetua, where one can see the churn far below. Or, one can stay on one of the many motels in the town of Yachats just a few miles north.