Neskowin Beach, surprising Oregon Coast Gem

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Located at Neskowin Oregon, a charming coastal village, Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site features an ancient “ghost” forest, a sea stack, a creek, and a beautiful long beach to enjoy and explore.

If you ask us what is your favorite beach at Oregon Coast, for sure, our unanimous answer will be Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site.

This Summer, we visited this place for the first time, and we came back several times since we had such a great and fun time with my kids there.

What to see and do

What to not love about the Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site? It’s a peaceful and stunning coastal paradise ready to be discovered!

Located in the picturesque coastal village Neskowin, it’s an ideal destination for families since it offers so many recreation options.

Kids playing on Proposal Rock at Neskowin Beach

Girl playing with sand at Neskowin Beach

One of the features that make this Oregon State Park so special is the famous “Ghost Forest”. During low tide, these 2,000 years old Sitka spruce tree stumps are visible and show where this coastal forest was located before some dramatic geological event buried them abruptly.

Neskowin, Oregon: The Neskowin Ghost Forest is the result of a natural event that caused the forest floor to drop below sea level, resulting in a strange and unique environment of fossilized tree stumps emerging on the beach at low tide.

Kids looking at large tree stump at Neskowin Beach

Adding even more beauty to the views of this beach, you can find here the Proposal Rock, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This gorgeous sea stack got its name after a 19th-century sea captain asked her fiancée hand in marriage there. Isn’t that so romantic?

Kids looking at Proposal Rock in Neskowin Beach

However, my kids’ favorite feature was the Neskowin creek that flows down the beach to the ocean. Its water was warmer than the ocean, and the easy current made it ideal for floating or swimming. They wanted to be there forever!

This park is also next to places for eating or grab some lunch, and hotels to stay, just within walking distance.

Overall this is an amazing place for all ages. It’s a long beautiful beach good for a peaceful walk as well as full of surprises to explore.

During our visit to this area, we also included in our day trip the amazing Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Find out even more beautiful Oregon coastal destinations here!

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Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

Beach access (It requires a short walk from the parking lots).
The “Ghost Forest” at low tide.
A creek on the beach.
Parking lots (No fee).
Restrooms (Open with reduced services from 9 am to 6 pm).
Picnic tables next to the parking area.

Important information

Location: Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site, Neskowin, OR 97149.

Web site.
Park is open to limited daytime use only with a reduction in services to facilities.
In case you are planning to visit the ghost forest, take a look at tide levels here.