Otter Crest offers sweeping views of the Oregon Coast and an opportunity to visit the historic Cape Foulweather Gift Shop that dates back to 1937. From either vantage point, soak in the view from 500 feet above the ocean overlooking the breathtaking crescent sweep of white sandy beach stretching to the south and rocky cliffs to the north.
Cape Foulweather is stunning and inspirational with its picturesque panoramic views. This popular whale watching spot also provides a good view of the Devil's Punchbowl.
The Cape Foulweather Gift Shop was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 for its association with the commerce and tourism industry along the Oregon coast from 1937-1963, as well as its association with World War II and defensive measures.
Now visitors can browse park and coastal souvenirs and enjoy one of the best views on the Oregon Coast from inside the gift shop. It's open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. It's closed January and February.
NEW: The historic gift shop will be closed through June 2025 for a rehabilitation and restoration project that includes stabilization, sealing the weather envelope, restoration work and increasing accessibility. The parking lot for the overlook will also be impacted with limited to no parking during construction. Visitors are encouraged to consider visiting the Historic Whale Watching Center 4 miles north in Depot Bay during construction.
In 1928, Wilbur S. and Florence Badley gave the land on Cape Foulweather to the state of Oregon with provisions that the state maintain the viewpoint for the public. Adjoining the tract, the Badleys built a small souvenir shop called "The Lookout at Cape Foulweather" in 1937.
The building was constructed on a basalt escarpment 450 feet above the Pacific Ocean offering motorists a roadside coffee and gift shop ideally situated to take advantage of the sweeping vistas from the west elevation’s observatory. The Badleys operated the building as a giftshop until 1963. The building passed through several different owners before Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) purchased the property in 2013.
In 2014, the Look-Out on Cape Foulweather was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance in association with the commerce and tourism industry along the Oregon coast from 1937-1963, as well as its association with World War II and defensive measures. Today, the Look-Out continues to operate as a giftshop and popular whale watching viewpoint along the coastal highway.
Park staff and volunteers continue to stock souvenirs, but have also opened up some of the building for indoor viewing and interpretation.