The force of water can do amazing things over a period of time. Long ago, this headland was whole and solid. Slowly, lower portions were chiseled at and worn away by the incessant surge of the Pacific Ocean. First a cave was formed, and then later, another. Later still, the two caves became one. Then the roof collapsed, leaving a bowl-shaped hole in the headland, a bowl with a hole in the side through which the sea still enters and retreats endlessly. The colorful name given to this place is the Devils Punch Bowl.
You have basically two choices when you visit this place, but either way you decide to approach the bowl, you'll want to know what the tide is doing.
Choice #1: You can go when the tide is in, when the amount of water and the force of its movement is powerful and energetic. This is actually even more impressive in winter, when storms increase the volatility of the surf.
Choice #2: You can go when the tide is out and access the headland by following the trail down to the slender beach, which vanishes when the tide is in. The latter will let you actually enter the punch bowl and explore it. I personally don't find this as interesting as watching the surge of the surf continue to eat away at the bowl itself. It is also an approach requiring caution and strict adherence to observing the tide-table predictions. You do not want to get trapped down there.
Now that you know you have a choice, you also can guess where that vestige of orange paint you see in the bowl came from.
The top of the headland is yet another popular spot for whale watching. Below, there are more tide pools waiting to be explored. Picnicking facilities are on site.
Oregon State Parks Division: 800/551-6949, for more information.
Website: Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area
Tide Tables