Neskowin Ghost Forest - Memento of the Tsunami Hitting Oregon Coast?

Neskowin Ghost Forest is a fascinating and mysterious destination hidden under the cold waters of the Pacific most of the time. In rare moments, however, when the tides are low, the ghosts come to the surface.

The ancient forest sits at Neskowin Beach near the charming small town of Neskowin. The beach itself also features Proposal Rock, another local attraction.

Neskowin Ghost Forest Origins

The ghost forest is the remnants of an ancient Sitka spruce forest that resurfaced after heavy winter storms in 1997-1998. Some old-timers say that parts of the ghost woods were sometimes visible even before 1997 after especially powerful storms and king tides.

The approximate age of the forest is two thousand years. At the time of their destruction, the ancient trees are estimated to have been 150-200 feet tall and at least 200 years old. Scientists believe that it was an earthquake or a tsunami that obliterated the Sitka spruce trees. The landslides that followed buried the remains deep under the sand and mud. This helped preserve the stumps from oceanic erosion.

The remnants of the ancient forest are still sitting in the original soil covered by sand. The sea level today is similar to the one during the disaster that destroyed the forest.

The Neskowin stumps, when revealed, are covered with mussels, barnacles, and other sea life. The elements eroded the inside of some bigger stumps, creating small shallow pools where ocean life gets trapped during low tides. Sometimes you can see crabs and small fish stuck there until the tide rises again and releases them from their temporary prison.

The best way to get to the ghost forest is from the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site parking area. The entrance to Neskowin Beach is right in front of Proposal Rock. You will have to cross the Neskowin Creek to get to the ghost forest.

That would be your best way of getting to the ghost forest without trespassing -- the area near the beach is almost entirely private property.

The best time to see this landmark is during the low tide. Although some parts of the ghost forest can still be visible even during higher tides.