Neptune Beach: Colorful Agates near Thor's Well!

Located 4 miles south of Yachats and one mile south of Cape Perpetua Marine Garden, Neptune Beach spans 0.5 miles from Gwynn Creek to the southern boundary of Neptune State Park, within the Neptune State Scenic Area.

Comprising a blend of sand, cobbles, and volcanic basalt bedrock, Neptune Beach is ideal for rockhounding and tidepool-watching enthusiasts. The beach is divided into Neptune North and Neptune South by Cummins Creek.

Neptune North

Neptune North is a less developed area with a small pullout parking and a gravel trail leading to the shore.

The cove-shaped sand and rocky basalt beach is a miniature version of Cook's Chasm. Visitors can witness occasional spouting horns as seawater funnels through basalt crevices, erupting into the air.

Neptune South - Neptune State Park

The southern part of the beach, known as Neptune State Park, is more developed, offering amenities such as a grassy lawn, picnic tables, and a restroom. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking Pacific panorama with waves crashing against the shore and Cummins Creek flowing into the ocean.

Note: Neptune Beach is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. Fishing, as well as collecting invertebrates, seaweeds, or any wildlife, is strictly prohibited. Please refer to the Oregon Marine Reserves Harvest Restrictions for more information.

Neptune Beach Rockhounding

Neptune Beach is part of a productive rockhounding coastline extending from Yachats to Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.

Within this area, you can uncover agates, including carnelian and sagenitic varieties, jasper, petrified wood, shells, sea glass, and various other intriguing pieces. For the best findings, explore the area around Cummins Creek's mouth and the gravel bars, especially during low tides after storms.

The optimal rockhounding season is between November and April when winter storms and king tides expose hidden treasures by removing top layers of gravel and sand.

As Neptune Beach is within a marine reserve, only surface collecting is permitted. Digging and the use of tools are strictly prohibited, although a beach scoop is acceptable. A permit is required to collect vertebrate fossils.

Check Rules and Rockhounding Regulations for Oregon Coast and Oregon State Parks.

Note: You need a permit to collect vertebrate fossils.

Cautions: Be aware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwood, and sneaker waves. Never turn your back to the ocean. During winter, when the creek flows more rapidly and fording may become unsafe, exercise caution. If time is limited, start your exploration from the southern Neptune State Park.

Neptune State Park and the surrounding area have multiple hiking trails to explore.

The Cummins Ridge Trail extends 5.8 miles one-way through the 9,300-acre Cummins Creek Wilderness, featuring the only old-growth Sitka Spruce forest on the Oregon Coast. This challenging trail is rated as difficult.

There are two trailheads: East and West. For a one-way downhill hike, start at the East Trailhead and use a car shuttle for the easier, one-way downhill hike.

The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center provides maps and directions for Cummins Ridge Trail and other nearby trails.

The rocky shore of Neptune Beach is an excellent area for tidepool exploration. Visit during low tide to observe ocean creatures and plants in their natural, tidepool aquariums.

Thor's Well, also known as "Gate to Hell", is a 20-foot deep cave located at Cook's Chasm. Ocean water has eroded the top of the basaltic rock, creating a pathway that allows water to shoot up to 20 feet high.

The best time to witness Thor's Well in action is during high tides and storms. The most dramatic eruptions occur from an hour before to an hour after high tide.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area encompasses 2,700 acres of old-growth forest within the Siuslaw National Forest. The Visitor Center offers exhibits and short films that provide insights into the region’s natural and exploration history. Cape Perpetua West Shelter, built in the early 1930s by the Forest Service, stands 800 feet (240 meters) above sea level. On clear days, it offers panoramic views of up to 70 miles of coastline and 37 miles out to sea.

The area is ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, picnicking, outdoor photography, and more.