Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The town of Neskowin is just north of Cascade Head and is almost unnoticeable from the highway. Unlike many beach towns, Neskowin avoids commercialization and maintains a quiet character that contributes to pristine, uncrowded beach experiences. This area's particularly interesting features are the 2,000 year-old Sitka spruce stumps, the remnants of what used to be a forest of 200-foot trees. At low tide the remains are scattered in the sands on the southern reaches of the beach. This “Ghost Forest” made its debut after violent storms hit the coast between 1997 and 1998. The stumps are believed to have been buried and preserved by the same event that destroyed the trees – likely an earthquake or tsunami.

These features make a visit to Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site more than just an opportunity to take a sandy stroll. Imagining how our coastline has changed and discovering the forests that have come and gone creates a much more dynamic experience. Proposal Rock offers one of the best views of the Ghost Forest, the surrounding beach, and the Pacific and Cascade Head to the south. At low tide, if you are willing to scurry up a relatively steep but short trail, you’ll find yourself in what feels like a secret forest that sits atop a majestic island with views of the eerie Ghost Forest. Use caution when approaching the viewpoints on the western side of the rock, and make sure to keep an eye on the tide. If you are continuing your journey up or down the coast, take advantage of the picnic area and restroom at the recreation site. And remember, keep Neskowin quiet – it’s our little secret!

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great hike to the top of Proposal Rock. The "Ghost Forest" at low tide.

Cons

None.

Location

Comments

03/22/2015
Seemingly a lesser-known nook on the Oregon Coast. And it quite the charming little place. Unique, too, with the petrified forest on the beach.
05/29/2015
Enjoyed a day combing the beach for sand dollars, starfish, and shells. A seal popped it's head from the breakers to watch us as we walked through the waves, and a couple of deer watched us from the trees. We also managed our way around the caves at Proposal Rock, and up the east side trail to the top while the tide was still out! Great place to enjoy a quieter coastal day
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