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by Mary Dickinson
Marlborough, Connecticut
October 21, 2003
Inside the cave we were able to see the Steller sea lions while we were standing 30 feet above. The cave takes on some nice coloring from the affects of moisture on the walls. A heavy fence prevents tourists from falling to the rocks below. Not too many sea lions were interested in being inside the cave while we were there but it was nice to see a few of them in their natural habitat anway. We could see the entrance of the cave from the ocean and endless waves splashing against the rocks. The animals came and went at will.
They’re more likely to be inside in the winter months. They like the rocks at the entrance of the cave in the warmer weather. There is an excellent sea lion viewing station south on US 101 only one half mile away. We have also seen sea lions up close on platforms in Newport, OR, next to the wharf in the historic area. They can be seen swimming near most rocky areas next to the shore in that part of Oregon. The excitement is being able to see them behave inside the cave.
We explored the cave and found an opening in the north wall. It gave us a really good view of Heceta Head Lighthouse and the steep evergreen tree covered mountains as they came down to meet the turbulent sea below. The Sea lion caves open at 9am all year.
From journal More Oregon Lighthouses and Attractions
by Re Carroll
Abbotsford, British Columbia
August 19, 2001
Entrance is inside the gift shop and you walk down a flight of stairs to get to the first level outside. You can't see the caves from here but there are nice views of the coast and you can watch some of the sea lions cavorting in the water. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot whales too.
A short walk will take you to the elevators where you descend over 200 feet to the cave which is as long as a football field and twelve storeys high. Inside, you can watch the lions and their pups as they frolic and jump in and out of the water. You can't take flash pictures because it frightens the animals. You're certainly not close enough to touch them but you sure can smell them and let me tell you, it's not Chanel No. 5.
You can't see the caves from the highway, just the large building that houses the gift shop. It has good quality souvenirs of the caves and Oregon in general, including nearby Heceta Head lighthouse. I liked the machine that turns a penny into a mini copper plaque of either the sea lion caves or Heceta Head lighthouse and at .50, it's quite a bargain souvenir.
There is plenty of free parking, some in front of the gift shop but most across the highway. Outside the gift shop entrance is also a good place to take pictures of scenic Heceta Head lighthouse, just one mile north.
The caves are open 7 days a week. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children.
From journal Fun in Florence