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.
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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.
Twelvizm/Wikipedia
It's also the home of Oregon's elusive and intriguing Ghost Forest.
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In the late 1990s, powerful coastal storms revealed something unexpected at Neskowin Beach: an ancient forest buried in the sand.
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At low tide, the remains of over 100 ancient sitka spruce trees seem to rise out of the rugged shores of the Oregon Coast.
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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.
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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.
Chrahp/Wikipedia
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.
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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.
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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.

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Neskowin Ghost Forest

Sarah M. | February 14, 2023

What are some other hauntingly beautiful places in Oregon?

The Neskowin Ghost Forest is one of the most marvelous, magical, and hauntingly beautiful places in Oregon, but there are plenty other fascinating places to explore in the Beaver State:

  • Octopus Tree. You'll find some of the most spectacular scenery at the Cape Mears State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge in Tillamook -- and the wonders extend beyond the shores, deep into the coastal forest. For hiding in the temperate rainforests of the North Oregon Coast, there is a natural phenomenon that's easily the coolest thing you'll ever see in Oregon. Within this place where forest meets the sea, you'll find the Octopus Tree, an unwieldy, tentacled tree that looks like some sort of fantastical woodland creature. What is this mollusk-shaped marvel, you ask? It's a Sitka spruce tree that's thought to be 250 to 300 years old, with sprawling limbs and branches which extend 100 feet into the air. It's bizarre and absolutely beautiful; a place sure to capture the imaginations of all who visit.
  • Peter Iredale Ghost Ship. Today, Fort Stevens is a 4,200 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and many recreational opportunities, including a hike that leads to one of the most notoriously haunted abandoned places in Oregon.Known as the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, this attraction is one of Oregon’s most infamous ruins, and the eponymous Peter Iredale Trail will take you right to the shocking scene. The shipwreck is easily accessed via the eponymous Peter Iredale Trail, a 0.4-mile walk that's flat, straightforward, and accessible for all ages.
  • The Witch's Castle. One iconic local landmark is the Witch's Castle, an abandoned, moss-covered stone structure that's located along the scenic Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park. The building was installed by Portland Parks and Recreation in the 1930s as a ranger station. The building fell into disrepair and it was eventually abandoned altogether. Yet what makes this one of the most haunted places in Oregon is the history of the land...

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Neskowin Ghost Forest, Neskowin, OR 97149, USA