Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, the well is actually a hole in the rock that only appears to drain water from the ocean. According to some researchers, the Well probably started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves, before the roof eventually collapsed and created openings at the bottom and top through which the ocean sprays. The huge hole is likely only around 20 feet (six meters) deep, but it still manages to produce amazing sights. (Not for the faint of heart, however!)
Despite its reputation, Thor’s Well isn’t particularly dangerous – at least no more so than the unforgiving Pacific Ocean that flows through it.
Vicki Penwell, a lead field ranger with the Siuslaw National Forest, said it’s certainly a treacherous spot, but not for the reasons people generally think.
Since May, there have been three incidents at the site, she said, all people who have been hit by sneaker waves while looking at the feature. They didn’t get sucked into the hole (or transported to hell), but got plenty of scrapes and cuts against the sharp volcanic rock.
After all, it’s the ocean that’s dangerous, she explained, not Thor’s Well.
The site is most spectacular at high tide, or during storms when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the hole. During these sudden torrents, unsuspecting visitors to the site run the risk of being swept right into the maelstrom. Regardless of the risks, photographers and nature lovers continue to flock to the stunning fountain to see the aggressive waters that live up to their godly namesake’s stormy personality. The best time to visit Thor’s Well is one hour before the high tide to see it without water and then observe how the formation fills up.
According to atlasobscura.com; oregonlive.com. Source of photos: internet
