Cape Perpetua, Coastal promontory in Lincoln County, Oregon

Cape Perpetua is a forested headland in Lincoln County, Oregon, rising over 800 feet (244 m) above the Pacific on a steep bluff. From its crest, 70 miles (113 km) of coastline and up to 37 miles (60 km) of open sea are visible on a clear day. The Siuslaw National Forest manages the land, which holds 26 miles (42 km) of interconnected trails through old-growth spruce, Douglas fir, and western hemlock.

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.

The 600-year-old Sitka spruce known as the Silent Sentinel of the Siuslaw stands more than 185 feet (56 m) tall, with a trunk 40 feet (12 m) around at its base. Oregon designated it a Heritage Tree on September 15, 2007, to protect it.