It's a bit strange to "review" something nature-made because it's all glorious. In my opinion, pretty much anything humans haven't interfered with is full of awe and magic. So this post is less about how beautiful the dueling devil's punchbowls are and more about whether you're likely to find yourself in serene beauty or in the middle of a mall-sized crowd (which, if you're anything like us, means you'd just as soon skip the excursion altogether). The first photo above is from the Oregon Devil's Punchbowl; the second is from the Washington Devil's Punchbowl.
Devil's Punchbowl, Oregon
The Oregon Devil's Punchbowl, near Newport, was the first of the two sites that we visited, and it set the bar high. With larger than life sea caves set against the jaw-dropping scenery of the Oregon coast, it's hard to beat the majesty of this place. It has the added benefit (to us, at least!) of being a little difficult to visit in the sense that you must read the tide tables. If you plan it right, you can go into the punchbowl, which feels a little like tempting fate. It's crucial that you get the timing right because if you venture into the punchbowl too closer to a rising tide, you could end up in a world of trouble. When the tide comes in, it comes fast. Due to the power of the waves and the incline of the rocks, you will not make it out. As gorgeous as it is, it is absolutely not worth that risk.
It's beautiful from above as well, so it is worth seeing at a mid or high tide but if you go then, there's no possibility of experiencing the awe that comes from exploring the inside of the punchbowl. For more details and to plan, check out the State Parks website here. We visited at an early. morning low tide in spring and were incredibly lucky to have the whole place to ourselves. The walk down, through trees that lead to the beach, is also lovely.
If you're planning to go, let us know and we'll move up our planned post on favorite Oregon coast adventures and places to stay.
Devil's Punchbowl, Washington
The Washington Devil's Punchbowl, on Lake Crescent past Port Angeles, happens to be one of the few pet-friendly paths in Olympic National Park. I got so excited by the photos I'd seen that I somehow overlooked the fact that the path is paved. This is wonderful for accessibility but that enhanced accessibility also equates to crowds. When we went in July it was more or less like walking between frat parties. Everyone was nice and shared the space but the vibe was the exact opposite of what we were hoping for. There's a sizable RV campground in close proximity to this part of the Park, which means crowds are likely in summer. Had we realized that, we would have gone off season.
The spot is undeniably beautiful with the characteristic blue of alpine lakes and gorgeous green trees leading down to the water, along with a bonus walk through a railroad tunnel. It's not a hike so much as a stroll though, so if you're after a big adventure this might be better as an add on rather than a stand alone excursion.
If you decide to go in summer... try to arrive right after sunrise. You'll likely beat the crowds. Alternatively, you could visit in winter, when fewer people venture out because the air and water temperatures make swimming a polar bear plunge situation. You'll find more about the Washington Devil's Punchbowl here.
The spot is beautiful no matter what, but at this point in our adventures, we're keen on finding times to see things when there are only a handful of others around. Nature loses its wonder when it's a party backdrop rather than a visual meditation.
Have you been to either spot? Let us know! Or drop us a line if there is yet another Devil's Punchbowl that we should check out.
Happy journeying!
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