Neskowin Ghost Forest: Oregon’s Ancient Trees Beneath the Sea
Sumikophoto | Dreamstime.com
Thousands of years ago, the sandy shores of the Oregon coast near what is now the city of Neskowin were blanketed with a robust forest of Sikta spruce trees. Through the centuries the sea, the sand, and a powerful earthquake caused these 200-foot-tall trees to recede into the water. The ghostly forest was submerged beneath the waves until a powerful storm in the late ‘90s unearthed the well-preserved remnants of the once stately forest.
ID 223036872 | Neskowin Ghost Forest ©
Ddkg | Dreamstime.com
The Neskowin Ghost Forest is a collection of barnacle-encrusted ancient trees that are best viewed at low tide. The Ghost Forest certainly lives up to its name when the trees are shrouded in early morning fog. From a distance, the ghost forest trees look like a collection of uneven gravestones which belong to deceased sailors who are slowly being claimed by the sea.
ID 133977968 | Neskowin Ghost Forest ©
Sumikophoto | Dreamstime.com
The Neskowin Beach Recreation Site near Lincoln City, Oregon is home to several trails that offer up-close and panoramic views of the Neskowin Ghost Forest. Visitors are encouraged to check the tide map to ensure that the water level is low enough to spot crabs skittering around the ghost trees and small tidal pools which double as stunning miniature reflecting pools.
Nestucca Bay is an excellent spot to canoe, kayak, or paddle board if you’re interested in viewing the coast from the water. The bay offers calmer waters that are sheltered from the thundering waves of the open Pacific. Even though the water is generally more placid, strong tidal changes can still make for choppy water. Also, the waters of Nestucca Bay tend to be chilly, so swimming is discouraged.
The Surf and Sand Inn located in Pacific City—which is north of Neskowin Ghost Forest—offers cozy, affordable accommodations. The Surf and Sand Inn is a former U.S. Coast Guard lookout station that has been converted into a comfortable retro lodge with record players in every room. The Inn is an irresistible place to spend a few nights if you’re searching for a charming, relaxing place to rest after an action-packed day of exploring Oregon’s stunning coast.
ID 33750340 | Neskowin Ghost Forest ©
David Williamson | Dreamstime.com
Oregon’s Coast has long been celebrated for its uncanny appearance. The Neskowin Ghost Forest is one of Oregon’s eeriest and most captivating landscapes. No trip to the Pacific Northwest is complete without a morning or afternoon spent wandering among the foundation of an ancient forest that was buried beneath the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Neskowin Ghost Forest, beach south of Proposal Rock; public approach from Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, Neskowin, Oregon, USA (feature-area pin)
- Coordinates
- 45.0989, -123.9873
- Access
- Use the public parking area and beach path at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site; do not follow online directions onto private property. Travel Oregon describes a roughly half-mile walk south along the beach and a Neskowin Creek crossing. Cross only if the creek, surf, tide and return route are safe; the crossing can become impassable, and Oregon Parks staff have warned that winter minus tides may make it impossible. If conditions are unsafe, turn back. Do not use private South Beach access.
- Admission
- Oregon State Parks lists beach access and amenities but no day-use fee for this recreation site. Check entrance signs and current park notices.
- Time needed
- No official visit duration is published. Allow about 1–2 hours as a planning estimate for the roughly half-mile beach walk each way and time to view the stumps; tide and creek conditions can shorten or prevent the visit.
- Best season
- The most exposed stumps are usually visible during very low tides in winter and spring, especially after winter storms. Check tide tables and surf/weather conditions; the feature is tide-dependent year-round.
- Opening hours
- Oregon State Parks says day-use parks are generally open from dawn to dusk; follow any site-specific posted hours or closures.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
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