[1] For at least 6,000 years, Native Americans hunted for mussels, crabs, sea urchins, and clams along the coast near Cape Perpetua.

Evidence of their lives can still be found in the huge piles of discarded mussel shells that lie along the shore near the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center.

[1][3][4] The cape was named by Captain James Cook on March 7, 1778, as he searched for the Pacific entrance to a Northwest Passage.

The scenic area includes 2,700 acres (1,100 ha) of old growth spruce, Douglas fir, and western hemlock.

[1] Camping, picnicking, hiking, sightseeing, whale watching, and a visitor center with daily programs are all available within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

There are 26 miles (42 km) of interconnected hiking trails in old growth forests that lead to Pacific Ocean tide pools.

The Spouting Horn at Cook's Chasm and Thor's Well on the plateau nearby are both salt water fountains driven by the power of the ocean tide.

Devil's Churn, Spouting Horn and Thor's Well are popular with visitors; however, all three can be dangerous, especially at high tide and during winter storms.