Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site
Neskowin, Oregon
| Address: | Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, Neskowin, OR 97149, USA |
| GPS: |
45°6'12.1"N 123°58'51.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Oregon |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Rocks Pet Friendly Fishing State Park
Camp and Swim
Neskowin Beach is a peaceful, scenic stretch of the northern Oregon coast, anchored by the iconic Proposal Rock sea stack and the hauntingly beautiful Neskowin Ghost Forest. Protected as a state recreation site near the tiny village of Neskowin, it's a quieter alternative to the coast's busier beaches — perfect for beachcombing, tide-pooling, and a windswept walk along the sand.
The beach's claim to fame is the Ghost Forest: a cluster of more than a hundred ancient Sitka spruce stumps, remnants of a roughly 2,000-year-old forest buried by a tsunami and revealed again by the powerful storms of the late 1990s. The weathered stumps emerge eerily from the surf at low tide — a striking, otherworldly sight and a tangible reminder of the coast's violent geologic past. They're most visible during very low tides, especially in winter and spring; to reach them, walk south along the beach about half a mile from the state-park access, crossing the shallow, ankle-deep Neskowin Creek.
The state recreation site offers a short access trail, restrooms, and picnic tables. Swimming and surfing are possible, but respect the ocean here: the water is cold year-round, currents can be strong, and the Oregon coast is known for dangerous sneaker waves — never turn your back on the surf, keep well back from logs in the wave zone, and watch children closely.
Check a tide table and aim for a low tide to see the ghost forest at its best. Bring layers (the coast is breezy and cool even in summer), sturdy footwear, and a camera, and pack out everything. For dramatic scenery and a glimpse deep into the past, Neskowin Beach is one of the Oregon coast's most memorable stops.
More Information
Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site - Oregon State Parks
The long beach and Cascade headland are delightfully pristine. In the town of Neskowin, you’ll find a general store, restaurant and a golf course amid the lovely ocean cottages. A bit north, you can canoe and kayak on the relatively undeveloped estuary of Nestucca Bay.
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=161The Neskowin Ghost Forest of Oregon is Incredible
This isn't your typical Oregon coast forest because it's actually in the water. Two thousand years ago a powerful earthquake shifted part of an ancient sitka spruce forest in Neskowin Oregon into the tidal zone, creating a graveyard of trees. To this day, the remains of these trees are visible, when
https://thatoregonlife.com/2015/11/the-neskowin-ghost-forest-of-oregon-is-incredible/
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Neskowin, Oregon
- Head north toward Amity Ave (95 ft)
- Turn right onto Amity Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Hawk Dr (0.3 mi)
- Turn left at Salem Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto US-101 S (10 ft)
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Regatta Park
Lincoln City
9.0 miles SCity park on the southwest shore of Devils Lake in Lincoln City with one of the lake's two public swim areas, a dock, boat ramp and big playground. Free, but check the water district's algae updates first.
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim
Oswald West State Park
Arch Cape, Oregon
45.7 miles NA 2,484-acre coastal Oregon state park two hours from Portland with miles of rainforest hiking, tide pools, a secluded sandy beach called 'Shorty's,' and surfing with year-round reliable waves.
Hike, Swim
