Neskowin: Discover the Beach and Ghost Forest

Neskowin is a coastal destination for travelers who want to include beach scenery and distinctive natural features in their travel plans. Highlights include the more than 3-mile-long beach, Proposal Rock, and the Neskowin Ghost Forest. There is also a trail nearby; the Neskowin Beach Golf Course adds a historical dimension to the coastal scenery. These places differ in their visiting conditions and areas of interest. When choosing a hotel in Neskowin, it may help to first decide whether you are most interested in coastal formations, nature viewing, or history.

The Beach and Proposal Rock

Neskowin’s beach is more than 3 miles long. Just offshore from Neskowin is Proposal Rock, a tree-covered basalt rock in the sea. The long beach and the solitary rock offer distinct features within the coastal landscape. Proposal Rock can be climbed from the beach. However, access depends on tides, conditions, and safety; check the situation on site before attempting to climb it.

The Neskowin Ghost Forest

The Neskowin Ghost Forest consists of tree stumps on the beach south of Neskowin Creek. From the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site parking lot, a trail leads about half a mile south along the adjacent beach; Neskowin Creek must be crossed along the way. Conditions on the beach and at the creek can change; tides and surf should also be taken into account. Check tide tables and coastal conditions before visiting. By contrast, the Lower Nature Conservancy Trail near Neskowin is accessible from the parking lot at Knight County Park. Check conditions before setting out for this trail as well.

The most extensive views of the Neskowin Ghost Forest are available at very low water levels in winter and spring, especially after winter storms. Under favorable viewing conditions, about 100 tree remnants may be visible; shifting sand and tides affect their visibility. A 1958 radiocarbon dating estimated the age of the submerged forest at 1,730 years, plus or minus 160 years. This range indicates that the age is an estimate, not an exact determination.

A Historical Coastal Landmark

The Neskowin Beach Golf Course was designed by Ercel Kay and opened in 1932; it is one of the oldest golf courses on the Oregon coast. The dates refer to different things: 1932 is the golf course’s opening year, while 1958 is the year of the radiocarbon dating used to estimate the age of the Ghost Forest. This distinction separates the golf course’s history from the dating of the tree remnants.

For travel planning, the main consideration differs between beach activities: for the Ghost Forest, it is visibility at very low water levels and during certain seasons; for Proposal Rock, it is the conditions for climbing. The golf course adds a historical dimension to these natural features. You can plan your day around nature viewing, climbing, or history.

Discover more destinations: Nehalem, Tillamook, Cloverdale, Cape Meares, Netarts, Garibaldi, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach

For the broader travel overview: Tillamook County.