D is for...Devil's Punchbowl




It's Thursday and the sunny weather that Oregon has been experiencing for the past few weeks is no more.  Hello, Rain.  How I've missed you.  Moving on...today we move on to the letter D and I'm bringing you the following:



The Devil's Punchbowl

Sounds ominous, right?  Worry not, dear readers.  The Devil's Punchbowl is nothing more than a rock formation on the Oregon Coast just north of Newport.  Some perspective:  Newport is two and a half hours south of Portland; one hour and fifty minutes north of Eugene; three hours and thirty-six minutes west of Bend; nine hours and forty-four minutes north of San Francisco; and five hours and five minutes south of Seattle.  Designated a National State Park, Devil's Punchbowl is a nature preserve open year round for hiking, bird and seal watching, and general exploration.  It also encompasses Seal Rock just north of the Bowl. 

Devil's Punchbowl at high tide.
The bowl is a natural formation, partially opened on one side, that has been carved out by the changing tides of the Pacific Ocean.  During high tide, the waves rush into the bowl churning violently and causing much ocean spray.  When the tide is out you can hike down into the bowl from the beach below and explore the tide-pools.  If you choose to do this, pay attention to the tide tables provided by the Coast Guard.  The view from the top of Devil's Punchbowl is one of panoramic beauty.  Because the formation is located on a piece of land that juts out into the ocean, you are surrounded on three sides by water.  It's also the perfect place to watch for whales during migration season (December 26-January 1 in the Winter and March 21-28 in the Spring, roughly) and surfers willing to brave the frigid waters of the Pacific.  This area is a draw for surfers because of the seventeen large rocks placed strategically in the area that funnel the tide into favorable waves into the inlet.  Storm watching is another big draw in this area.  

If you're feeling thirsty or hungry, fear not.  Located on the edge of the parking area, there is a restaurant that serves fresh seafood and delicious clam chowder (Mo's, an Oregon Coast institution) and the Flying Dutchman Winery offers unique blends for those who enjoy a little grape fermentation and is the only working winery on the Oregon Coast.  Whatever you're into, the Devil's Punchbowl State Park has something for you.  Stop by for a visit and, I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Blog on, fellow A-Zers!


Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    Yours is such a fascinating theme, I doubt I'd ever find out aboiut cool places in Oregon otherwise. Have fun finishing the challenge! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 4, 2013 at 3:22 PM

      Thanks! I'm kind of loving it, too. Thanks for stopping by. Also, I love your theme as well!!!

      Delete
  2. Ms. DeeApril 4, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    I had a chance to visit Oregon in the summer of 1998 and remember visiting Newport and having a lovely seafood dinner there. Sorry I missed the Devil's Punchbowl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 4, 2013 at 3:21 PM

      Ms. Dee...it just means you'll need to visit again :)

      Delete
  3. Teacher-MomApril 4, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Oh yes, Im thinking that I must take up my good friends invite and see this part of the country! Write on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 5, 2013 at 1:01 PM

      Do it! There's so much to see, not just in Oregon either ;) Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  4. Krista McLaughlinApril 4, 2013 at 5:05 PM

    That is beautiful! I will definitely have to add that place to my bucket travel list. Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Susan ScottApril 5, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    What a beautiful picture of the Devil's Punchbowl! So full and abundant - thank you for this interesting post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 5, 2013 at 1:02 PM

      Hi Susan! You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  6. Jennifer JoyceApril 5, 2013 at 4:00 AM

    It sounds amazing. Not sure I'd be brave enough to go inside, even with the tide out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 5, 2013 at 1:03 PM

      I've never gone inside either...mainly because I have respect for the ocean ;)

      Delete
  7. Francene StanleyApril 5, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    The rock formation is amazing. I love the sea in all its forms. This one is spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelApril 5, 2013 at 1:03 PM

      Hi Francene! I agree! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete

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