Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind This Sinister Oregon Tree

,"4":

,"11":3,"12":0}">Did you know that Oregon is home to its very own Octopus Tree? Located on the Oregon Coast, this old-growth Sitka spruce is truly unlike any other tree in the Beaver State. Nicknamed the "Octopus Tree" because of its unique tentacle-shaped branches, this massive tree has been described as one of the modern Wonders of the World.

Check it out:

The Octopus Tree is located within Cape Meares State Park in Tillamook, Oregon.

The park is situated on a headland 200 feet above the ocean, and features more than 3 miles of hiking trails, stunning scenery, and the Cape Meares Lighthouse.

To reach the tree, you'll take a short 0.4-mile trail through the park.

This sprawling spruce holds the record for largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon.

While it was once believed that the tree's strange shape was caused by violent winds, historians now think it is a result of the tree's function as a ceremonial site and gathering place for Tillamook tribal rites.

The tree is believed to have been used to hold cedar canoes, corpses, and other ritual objects.

The branches are distinctly shaped because they were forced down to a horizontal position when they were young and flexible.

Later on, they were allowed to resume normal growth, and now stretch upwards more than 100 feet into the sky.

Today, the tree is a historical site and popular sightseeing detour.

Fun Fact: The Octopus Tree was even featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

Have you ever been to the Octopus Tree before? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us!

For more hidden gems in Oregon, check out our previous article: The Sapphire Natural Pool In Oregon That's Devastatingly Gorgeous.