Cape Perpetua, Coastal promontory in Lincoln County, Oregon
Cape Perpetua is a coastal headland in Oregon that rises about 800 feet (240 meters) above sea level and offers wide views of the rocky shoreline. The area includes about 26 miles (42 kilometers) of hiking trails that wind through ancient forests and along coastal cliffs.
The cape was named on March 7, 1778, by Captain James Cook during his expedition along the Pacific coast. Cook was searching at the time for a water passage that might connect the Pacific with northern regions.
The Alsea people lived here for around 6,000 years and called this place Halqaik. They gathered mussels, crabs, sea urchins, and clams from the shoreline as part of their daily life.
A visitor center at the site offers maps and information for hikers of all levels. It helps to wear sturdy shoes since the trails can be wet and slippery, especially after rain or at certain tides.
A Sitka spruce tree around 600 years old grows at the cape and stretches about 185 feet (55 meters) into the air. This ancient tree is a rare example of how long these forests can live in this region.
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