The Lookout Recognized as a National Historic Place
Published: 06/15/2015  Updated: 08/13/2019
Photo by Gary Hayes

Originally constructed as a coffee shop, The Lookout became a gift shop early in its history and has remained so ever since.

Precariously perched on the edge of towering Cape Foulweather nearly 500 feet above the crashing waves, the historic structure known as The Lookout was named to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2015. The Lookout was built in 1937, shortly after the completion of the numerous bridges that made auto travel possible along the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101). Originally known as the Foulweather Coffee Shop, proprietors Wilbur and Anna Badley soon recognized the opportunity of selling souvenirs to travelers and for many years The Lookout was operated as a gift shop. The Lookout was purchased by Oregon State Parks in late 2013 and it continues to be operated as a gift shop with Parks' personnel also on hand to offer interpretive information and help visitors spot whales that are frequently seen from this spectacular viewpoint. The Lookout is located just off the highway at Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint four miles south of Depoe Bay.
The Lookout Recognized as a National Historic Place