The Ghost Forest Along The Oregon Coast You Have To See To Believe

Rising out of the sand and seawater on Oregon's Tillamook Coast, there are around a hundred ancient decaying stumps, known colloquially as the Neskowin Ghost Forest. This intriguing natural phenomena only appears during times of low tide, and is a dramatic, only-in-Oregon event you really must experience.

Neskowin is a small, unincorporated community in Tillamook County off the northern Oregon Coast that's stunningly beautiful.

It's one of the most gorgeous hidden gems in the country, in fact.

The area is best-known for its incredible sea stacks and the commanding monolith known as Proposal Rock.

It's also the home of Oregon's elusive and intriguing Ghost Forest.

In the late 1990s, powerful coastal storms revealed something unexpected at Neskowin Beach: an ancient forest buried in the sand.

At low tide, the remains of over 100 ancient sitka spruce trees seem to rise out of the rugged shores of the Oregon Coast.

The stumps in the Ghost Forest are estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old. Back then, the trees stood at 150-200 feet tall; today, these decaying remains are a shadow of the towering trees they once were.

Scientists believe that the forest was ultimately destroyed as a result of an earthquake or tsunami; the trees buried deep (and thereby preserved) in the soft sand shores along the coast.

Back then, the sea levels were similar to what they are today. So during periods of low tide, the Neskowin Ghost Forest seems to magically rise from the surf. When the tide is at its lowest, over 100 ancient stumps dot the shoreline.

It's a truly unique and awe-inspiring sight.

One of Oregon's most intriguing and accessible natural wonders, the Neskowin Ghost Forest can be observed year-round and is easy to access. Neskowin is located about 15 miles north of Lincoln City along Highway 101.

An underrated treasure of a place, you'll often have this uncrowded beach along the Oregon Coast all to yourself, where you can wander— and wonder—in beautiful Beaver State splendor.

Have you visited the Neskowin Ghost Forest before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience! If you'd like a sneak peek of what to expect, check out this video from YouTuber Michael Durham:

Curious to learn about other hidden wonders in Oregon? You'll definitely want to read about this underwater ghost town.