The Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area at Otter Rock Oregon is an icon of the central Oregon coast that is definitely worth a visit.
Known for unique rock formations, sweeping ocean views, and long sandy beaches, you can spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an entire day at Devil’s Punchbowl Oregon.
For more exploration, there are lots of other great beaches and scenic views nearby. Plus, with top-notch lodging and camping just a short drive away, this area is ideal for multi-day stays.
After dozens of visits to Devil’s Punchbowl and Otter Rock, we keep coming back to this amazing area of the Oregon Coast.
In this article, we’ve gathered our knowledge of Otter Rock Oregon and the surrounding area to help you plan your visit!
Otter Rock & Devil’s Punchbowl Oregon: Overview
Otter Rock is an area on the central Oregon Coast known for scenic views and beautiful beaches.
Otter Rock Oregon refers to the community and general area, while the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a part of the rocky outcropping managed by Oregon State Park Department.
The Devil’s Punchbowl itself is the name of the impressive 80-foot-wide hole in the rock outcropping that is great for watching waves dramatically crash against the rocks.
Otter Rock Oregon Map
Use this interactive map we made to get your bearings on Devil’s Punchbowl Oregon and the surrounding area. You can expand in a new window.
How to Get There
Otter Rock is located along Highway 101 in Lincoln County on the Central Oregon Coast. The table below shows drive times to Otter Rock from other locations in Oregon.
| Starting Location | Distance to Otter Rock | Typical Drive Time |
| Newport | 8 miles (13 km) | 13 min |
| Corvallis | 57 miles (92 km) | 1 hr 10 min |
| Salem | 76 miles (122 km) | 1 hr 30 min |
| Eugene | 95 miles (153 km) | 2 hr |
| Portland | 115 miles (185 km) | 2 hr 15 min |
When to Visit
On the Oregon Coast, Summer generally has the warmest temperatures, but it can by foggy when its extra hot inland.
Spring and Fall can have really nice days or less than ideal days. Winter is the most windy, rainy, and stormy.
However, there’s more to consider. You may enjoy the chaos of dramatic winter storm watching, or seeing whales during their spring migration, or getting the best sunsets in spring and fall.
Learn way more in our full article about when to visit the Oregon Coast.
Top Things to Do at Otter Rock & Devil’s Punchbowl
Although a relatively small area, there’s a lot of fun to be had at Otter Rock Oregon.
Visit Devil’s Punchbowl: A Natural Wonder
Devil’s Punchbowl is an 80-foot-wide circular hole in the rocky outcropping supported by impressive rock arches and huge sea caves.
You can view the giant hole at the top of the cliffs from a few different angles. This viewpoint is very accessible with no actual trail required. This is how most people see Devil’s Punchbowl.
Inside tip: However, during low tide only, you can also walk down into the hole itself (which a lot of people don’t know about).
How to Walk Inside Devil’s Punchbowl
To get inside Devil’s Punchbowl, walk north from the parking lot along C Ave. After third street, there is a path on the left that leads down to Otter Crest Beach.
From there, head south along the beach until you reach Devil’s Punchbowl. You may have to explore around a bit and navigate slippery rocks. You’ll also see lots of unique sea caves, tidepools, and aquatic life.
Remember, you can only do this during low tide. Check out a tide chart and time your visit. Please be cautious of incoming tides, big waves, and slippery rocks!
Take in the Scenic Views
Even without the punchbowl itself, the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area at Otter Rock Oregon area is super unique and interesting.
There is a short, paved path that takes you around the edge of the cliffs and showcases beautiful views of Otter Rock Beach to the south.
In fact, on a clear day looking south, you can see the mostly sandy beach stretch all the way to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area about 5 miles to the south.
To the north, you can see the rugged and rocky coastline, with the highest point being Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint (more on that later).
If the weather is decent, take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour soaking in the views. There are also picnic tables.
Insider tip: Grab a coffee, ice cream, or other treat from Cliffside Coffee & Sweets while you enjoy the vistas. Alternatively, check out Mo’s Chowder or the Flying Dutchman Winery.
Hang out at Otter Rock Beach
Just south of Devil’s Punchbowl is Otter Rock Beach, which is accessible by a long staircase. The climb back up the stairs is tiring to say the least.
However, it’s usually worth it to spend some time hanging out at Otter Rock Beach, which stretches several miles to the south.
Whether you enjoy a long walk on the beach pondering the unique Oregon Coast geology or set up a beach towel and relax, you have to spend some time at Otter Rock Beach.
Insider tip: On a fair day, don’t miss out on a sunset and beach bonfire. This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the Oregon Coast. There is usually a lot of driftwood that is fairly dry in the summer.
Go Surfing at Otter Rock Beach
We love to surf on the Oregon Coast and always recommend that others learn themselves. There’s no feeling like gliding down a wave.
Otter Rock is one of the main places to surf near Newport Oregon. The Devil’s Punchbowl outcropping protects Otter Rock Beach from northern winds, which creates nice wave conditions.
On any given spring, summer, or fall day when the waves are good, you’ll see surfers at Otter Rock Beach. Maybe we’ll see you there ourselves someday!
For lessons and rentals, we recommend Pura Vida Surf Shop at Otter Rock or Ossie’s Surf Shop a few minutes south at Agate Beach, another good surf spot in Oregon.
Fun Things to do Near Otter Rock Oregon
There are lots more unique places to visit just north or south of Otter Rock if you drive a few minutes.
| Location | Relation to Otter Rock | Summary |
| Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint | North 4 minutes | An epic viewpoint with stunning views and information center on a 300-foot cliff. |
| Otter Crest Loop | North 4 minutes | A scenic drive that is worth doing. |
| Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint | North 5 minutes | Another amazing viewpoint with short trails and picnic tables. |
| Depot Bay | North 8 minutes | A sleeping coastal town with the world’s smallest harbor. |
| Pirate Cove | North 10 minutes | Unique, beautiful, and lesser-known viewpoint. |
| Beverly Beach | South 5 minutes | Easy beach access under a cool bridge. |
| Yaquina Head Natural Area | South 13 minutes | Beautiful hiking trails, a lighthouse, and unique views. |
| Agate Beach | South 13 minutes | A great beach for walking, hanging out, or surfing. |
| Newport Oregon | South 14 minutes | A small city that has some great spots if you know where to go. |
From cute beach town blocks to sweeping ocean views, you can see there is seriously so much to do in this area.
Fortunately, there are lots of fun places to stay near Otter Rock so you can immerse yourself in a multi-day trip.
Where to Stay: Lodging Otter Rock Oregon
Whether it’s a hotel, vacation home rental, or campground, there are lots of places to spend the night near Otter Rock and extend your stay.
Hotels Near Otter Rock
Otter Rock hotels are a great balance between cost, amenities, and convenience.
Inn at Otter Crest Otter Rock Oregon
The Inn at Otter Crest is located just north of Otter Rock, perched upon the forested hills with pleasant walking paths and excellent ocean views.
They have both single rooms and larger suites, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, saunas, fitness center, and more.
There is also a restaurant with ocean-front views, a large grass field, and beach access to Otter Crest Beach.
Whale Cove Inn
Located just 5 minutes north of Otter Rock, the Whale Cove Inn is perched on a cliff in between the Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The views are outstanding, each suite is unique, and there is a high-quality restaurant at the hotel.
We’ve never stayed here ourselves, but it seems like a great hotel near Otter Rock. However, some of the recent Google Reviews have not been positive.
Inn at Arch Rock
The Inn at Arch Rock is a charming coastal retreat located in Depoe Bay, Oregon, just 10 minutes from Otter Rock.
The inn offers a variety of rooms, many with private balconies or patios overlooking the ocean.
Enjoy the highly rated complimentary breakfast, cozy lounge areas, peaceful outdoor garden, and private beach access stairs.
The Inn at Arch Rock’s location provides easy access to Depoe Bay’s unique shops, restaurants, and the famous Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center.
Vacation Rentals Otter Rock Oregon
There are some great Otter Rock vacation rentals where you can rent an entire home through a site like Airbnb or VRBO.
One of the more popular is the Otter Rock Surf Yurt, which is just steps from Otter Rock, sleeps 4 guests, and is overall a great vibe.
Another great option for Otter Rock rentals is The Red House, which has ocean views, a hot tub, and sleeps 4.
A final option is Alpine Chalets in Otter Rock by Vacasa, which is a series of a-frame houses in a row.
Check out more Otter Rock vacation rentals on Airbnb or VRBO.
Camping Near Otter Rock Oregon
If you’re like us, you like sleeping outside (at least sometimes) and saving money on accommodation!
The two Oregon State Parks campgrounds near Otter Rock are:
There are some RV parks and private campgrounds, but we like the state park campgrounds the best, even if they can feel a bit expensive.
Other Tips for Visiting Devil’s Punchbowl and Otter Rock Oregon
Here are some final tips to make the most of your visit to Devil’s Punchbowl and Otter Rock.
Be aware of limited parking: The parking lots are small and fill up on summer weekends. Get there early for the best chance at a spot. Be respectful of the community that lives there.
Time your visit at low tide in order to explore inside Devil’s Punchbowl.
Plan for stairs: To access Otter Rock Beach, there is a large staircase that is tiring to walk up even for the most fit of people. Only pack what you need for your beach day.
Watch the surfers: Even if you don’t surf yourself, watching people surf can be so fun. The best views are looking south from the edge of Devil’s Punchbowl.
Conclusion
Hopefully you feel prepared and excited to visit Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area at Otter Rock Oregon.
This is one of our favorite places on the Oregon Coast and we hope you enjoy it for yourself!
Learn more about things to do in Newport Oregon and check out our other articles about the Oregon Coast.
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