Oregon's Coast Is Home To America's Largest Sea Cave With Unmatched Wildlife Views

Coastal Oregon (and most of the Pacific Northwest of the United States) is a truly breathtaking part of the country. In fact, a road trip down U.S. Highway 101 can make you rethink the art of the road trip. Among the many must-see destinations on the West Coast are the Sea Lion Caves about 11 miles north of the idyllic town of Florence at milepost 179 on Highway 101 in Oregon.

Not only is this privately-owned attraction home to the largest sea cave in America, but it's also a protected habitat for the Steller sea lion. Much of the year, visitors can see hundreds of sea lions lounging on the rocks in and near the cave, though they're not a guaranteed sighting. But that's not all you'll see. This area is also a sanctuary to a variety of birds, from seagulls to cormorants and even some occasional birds of prey. You might also be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a pod of gray whales or killer whales breaching nearby. Here's what to expect from this intriguing attraction.

This ancient basalt cave is millions of years old and is around 125 feet high and roughly the length of a football field. The entrance to the cave sits at sea level and features plenty of rocky ledges just outside the entrance, making it an ideal year-round natural habitat and breeding ground for sea lions and other wildlife. In fact, it is one of the only places on the West Coast where the endangered Stellar sea lion population is actually increasing. These sea lions are the largest among the Otariidae family, with males growing up to 2,500 pounds and females reaching 800 pounds.

This unique place was discovered in 1880 by local seaman Captain William Cox, who became fascinated with the cave and decided to purchase the land from the state seven years later. After switching ownership, the attraction was opened to the public in 1932 but didn't become popular until after World War II. As demand grew, construction began on an elevator to make the attraction even more accessible. Once the project was completed in 1961, admissions skyrocketed. The elevator still operates today carrying approximately 400 people per hour.

Sea Lion Caves is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Reservations are not required; visitors can just grab tickets in the gift shop. Admission is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children four and under. Parking is free. It's a good idea to wear walking shoes with enough tread to keep you steady on the rocky wet surfaces, and bring an extra layer to keep you warm in the windy climate. 

Keep in mind this is not a zoo; these animals are wild and free to come and go as they please. If your main goal is to see the sea lions, it's recommended that you call ahead to be sure they are visible. During the fall, the sea lions tend to make themselves more scarce. During the summer, you can find them congregating outside the cave. And during spring and winter, they are typically huddled inside the cave. But no matter what time of the year it is, bring your binoculars! You'll want to get a good look at all the wildlife this site has to offer. While you're in the neighborhood, don't miss a trip to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Just a mile from the Sea Lion Caves, this 1894 landmark sits 206 feet above the ocean and offers spectacular views and a bed & breakfast. The area is also considered a state park that offers hiking trails and beach access.