Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint

For some reason I had always thought Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, a popular roadside turnout off Highway 101, was named after a person.  Not an unreasonable assumption, since many Oregon parks bear names of prominent Oregon figures who had a positive impact on the park system: Bob Straub, Oswald West, Jessie M. Honeyman, Samuel H. Boardman, to name a few.  But when I peered over the south railing, it was obvious this was incorrect, the rolling waves converging on the craggy rocks below very clearly resembled a large-scale bubbling cauldron.  As I was looking up informative online links on this location though, I found I was (yet again!) wrong.  The name actually stems from a colorful tale involving a shipwreck, and the boiler from the spoilage that remains in the bay!

Regardless of the origin of the name, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint is an Oregon coast showcase.  Right off the 101, captivating views, sea-meets-land theatrics, and a chance to spot passing whales make it a requisite stop when in the vicinity.

South view

25 Steps

Although views of the bay are breathtaking, I found the roiling waters to the south more entertaining.  A very short distance and you can lean on a fence or sit at a picnic table and enjoy the seaside display.  This is one of those Oregon stops that improves in bad weather.  Bundling up against wind and dampness could yield quite a show during a coastal storm.

Terrain: Old pavement, sidewalk, and grass, all level. There is a curb to reach the sidewalk, but it can be avoided by using one of the small ramps of built up pavement.

Seating: Many picnic tables along the railing that encircles the area.

Fee: No fee

Restrooms: In the center of the grassy island, about 100 steps if using the path on the south. Nearest access is within 75 steps from parking on the north side of the lot (blue line on destination map).

Directions: Boiler Bay is clearly marked off Highway 101, just north of downtown Depoe Bay. Parking nearest the southern view is (not surprisingly!) on the south side of the parking lot.

Bay view

25 Steps

The view for which this site is named is to the north.  The step count listed is from the nearest parking, but a better choice is to utilize the sidewalk between the two areas, adding up to about 175 steps by my estimate.  The bay is full of rock formations of varying heights, waves crashing, splashing, and dripping off them with the water’s ebb and flow.  If the tide is low, perhaps you’ll glimpse the wrecked ship’s boiler.

Terrain: Old pavement, sidewalk, and grass, all level. There is a curb to reach the sidewalk, but it can be avoided by using one of the small ramps of built up pavement.

Seating: Many picnic tables along the railing that encircles the area.

Fee:No fee

Restrooms: In the center of the grassy island. Nearest access is within 75 steps from parking on the north side of the lot (blue line on destination map).

Directions: Boiler Bay is clearly marked off Highway 101, just north of downtown Depoe Bay. Parking nearest the bay view is on the north side of the parking lot.