Watching sea lions in their natural environment on the Oregon coast is just magical. You don’t only get to see them swimming in the ocean current and resting on top of rocks, but also watch as they interact with each other.
Photo by Pawel Grudysz/Flickr
About 11 miles north of Florence off Highway 101, the Sea Lion Caves are renowned as the largest sea caves in the country. It’s a decent walk about 37 steps down from the parking area to an elevator that will descend you into the caves. Once inside you can also take 63 steps in the cave to reach a viewpoint that overlooks Heceta Head Light.
Photo by Matt Brisher/Flickr
The sea lions come and go as they like, but typically like to hang around the rocky ledges just outside of the caves during the spring and summer. But by the time fall and winter come around, and the weather turns colder, hundreds of them will congregate inside the caves.
Photo by Matt Brisher/Flickr
The caves are privately owned, with $14 admission for adults, lowered prices for seniors & children and free parking. You can get directions and more ticket info on their website here.
For an even closer look inside these amazing sea caves, check out this clip from Dan Wasssink on Youtube:
Have you been to the Sea Lion Caves before? What was your experience like?