The Devils Punchbowl: An Oregon Coast Treasure!

If you’re headed to the Oregon Coast, there is a distinct hole in the coast called the Devils Punchbowl.   And this unique little place is a must-see! 

What was once 2 sea caves hidden from the public eye, is now one giant hole.  The “roof” over the caves collapsed and has become a famous tourist attraction ever since.  

Here’s everything you need to know about the Devils Punchbowl. From the fees, to the details about the area.  So let’s jump right in!

Important Links

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area website

Devils Punchbowl Trail – AllTrails Link

Hiking Backpack Checklist Freebie – Be Prepared on the Trails

Hiking Journal – Never Forget the Details of Your Favorite Hikes Again!

Location

First up, let’s discuss the location of the Devils Punchbowl.  This unique little spot is about 15 minutes from Newport, OR, 30 minutes from Lincoln City, OR, and 1.5 hours from Tillamook. 

As for distances from bigger cities, the Devils Punchbowl is nearly 3 hours from Portland, OR.  It’s also about 2 hours from Salem, OR and 2 hours from Eugene, OR.  

Fees

Next up are the not-so-fun details of parking fees.  Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area has a daily fee, just like all Oregon State Parks.  Even if you are just going to walk on the beach, you have to pay that fee to park. 

The fee is $10 for Oregon Residents and $12 for Out of State Visitors.

At the parking lot there is a QR code that you can scan and use to pay the fee.  BUT you might not have phone service here.  So in order to not risk a fine, here are a few suggestions to pay said fee!

Pay Ahead of Time

The first option is to purchase your Day Use Parking Permit online ahead of time.  This pass is valid for an entire day and can be used at all of the state parks for that day.  In other words, if you are planning on visiting Beverly Beach State Park, Roads End State Park and Tunnel Beach all in one day, this pass will cover you. 

And the second option is to purchase an Oregon State Parks Annual Pass. This pass gives you access to all of Oregon State Parks and Beaches for 12 months from the month of purchase.  The resident pass is $60 and the non-resident pass is $75. 

The annual pass only makes sense if you are planning on visiting several state parks/beaches on several different days.  If you are a resident planning to spend more than 6 days in any of the state parks, this pass is perfect for you. And if you are a non-resident planning to spend more than 6 days in the state parks, again, this pass is the way to go.    

Just make sure the math makes sense before you purchase, or you might be wasting some money.

Parking and Picnic Area

There are a couple of places to park to see the Devils Punchbowl. The state park has a parking lot here, right next to the provided flush toilets.  There is also parking right in front of Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, at the end of 1st Street. 

If you are planning on visiting in the middle of the day, all of the parking will probably be full.  So pack your patience.  

You should NOT park on private property.  There will be signs indicating where not to park, so please be conscious of these signs.

This same area also has several picnic tables and a few paved walking trails for easy views of the rocky coast.  

Quick Stop

Now, if you just want to see the Devils Punchbowl, snap a few photos, and leave, you won’t need more than 20 minutes here.  My husband and I visited for a grand total of 15 minutes when we went.  

If this is your plan, I highly recommend adding in a drive on Otter Crest Loop.  This loop will take you past some incredible cliffs and is a gorgeous drive.  

Long Stop

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a longer stay, I highly recommend visiting at Low Tide.  There are some awesome tide pools just to the north of the famous Punchbowl, perfect for exploring.  

If you time your visit with the lowest tides of the month, you can even go into the bottom of the Devils Punchbowl!  Just be aware that the tides turn very quickly and can be very dangerous.  

But if you’re just looking for a beach to relax on, there is Otter Rock Beach.  From the state park’s parking lot, you can walk down a set of wooden stairs and easily access this beach.   

Our Experience

My husband and I visited Devils Punchbowl in June of 2026.  We initially visited first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.  We parked, paid the fee and had the overlook all to ourselves.  

However, first thing in the morning it was very cloudy and I didn’t quite get the photos I wanted.  So we came back later that afternoon.

When we went back, it was perfectly sunny and gorgeous.  However, the place was crawling with crowds!  We couldn’t find parking, so my husband dropped me off, I took the photos, and then we left.  

My take away, make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot.  

Conclusion

The Oregon coast is loaded with incredible places to stop and visit, but the Devils Punchbowl is a must-see!  Whether you stop for 15 minutes, or explore the tide pools and beaches for hours, you’ll love Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area.

As always, feel free to email me at averagewildexperience@gmail.com with any questions.  

-Happy Exploring!