Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site

During COVID, and with limited travel, I crafted the goal of adventuring to all of Oregon’s 361 State Parks, 21 National Wildlife Refuges, 11 National Forests, 6 State Forests, and 11 Lighthouses. Plus 1 of each of a National Scenic Area, a National Grassland, a National Park and a Coastal Trail. The quick math is a total of 414 adventures in nature ahead. I am excited to share photos from my new journey.

I’ve been visiting Neskowin religiously since 1977. My parents bought a condo and we’ve celebrated all the summer high holidays there together ever since. I’ve only missed a few Forth of Julys in my life. My husband and I bought a surf shack in the village and owned it for 16 years. We only sold it when the kids got too busy with activities and our beach time was super limited. Thank goodness my parents still have their condo! We were lucky enough to spend a few clear days there between the holidays this year. Neskowin never disappoints.

Explore more at www.traveloregon.com … The long beach and Cascade headland are delightfully pristine. 

During low tide, the Neskowin Ghost Forest is in view. The "forest" features remnants of an ancient Sitka spruce forest with the stumps estimated to be about 2000 years old.

In the town of Neskowin, you’ll find a general store, restaurant and two golf courses amid the lovely ocean cottages. A bit north, you can canoe and kayak on the relatively undeveloped estuary of Nestucca Bay.

There are three stunning trails nearby on Cascade Head. The Nature Conservancy Trail #1435 is usually open year-round and can be easily accessed at Knight’s Park (who knows … you may catch a glimpse of some elk).

The next two are USFS trails in the Siuslaw National Forest. Hart’s Cove Trail #1303 descends about 900 feet in elevation through a Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest, crosses two seasonal creeks and ends at a prairie headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Chitwood Falls cascades off the backside cliff at Hart’s Cove. An unseen cove to the south resounds with the barking of sea lions. This trail closes seasonally from January 1st through July 15th.

Cascade Head Trail #1310 runs north to south within the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area. The Sitka Spruce-Western Hemlock rain forest here has been studied by foresters since 1934.

This trail is less crowded than the other two popular trails in the area – it is entirely inland and has no viewpoints. Mid-way on the trail near the headwaters of Calkins Creek there remains a grove of six-foot diameter Sitka spruce. The trail has a forested backdrop with large Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, Douglas fir and Red alder. The north end of the trail (north of Forest Service Road 1861) is closed for public safety due to tree hazards.

A map of Cascade Head Trails is available here.

You can also check out the Neskowin Farmers Market in the wayside, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.