Normally Placid Place Can Illustrate Power of Oregon Coast Waves

Published 08/09/2011

(Neskowin, Oregon) – It's the home of one of the strangest natural attractions on the whole Oregon coast - the Ghost Forest - and of the famed landmark called Proposal Rock. But Neskowin, just a few miles shy of Pacific City, also has some unique ways to display the power of the ocean.

This normally placid creek sits well back from the usual tide line in this tiny village: in fact the bridge over it – near the beach access – is a good quarter mile away from the ocean. It’s here where Proposal Rock Inn sits, safely tucked away from the ocean at even its most chaotic.

Or is it?

Indeed, this chunk of the beach has been the recipient of some wild wave action in the past – under very rare circumstances. Proposal Rock Inn owner John Forsythe discovered a somewhat historical photograph of this area getting slammed by a big storm surge.

Even to the casual viewer, major debris that sometimes lurks at this end of the creek hints at the frightening power of the waves.

Late in 2010, there was still a huge, monstrous chunk of driftwood sitting way back here. Many visitors wouldn’t give it a second thought. But if you know about ocean action to any degree, you give it quite the double take. What on Earth could bring such a monstrosity this far up the creek – about a quarter mile?

Back in October 2010, Forsythe explained.

“That debris came in on two storms last year,” Forsythe said. “It was brought part way up the creek in December and later pushed to the bridge by a similar storm.”

The debris has since been removed.

“Storm surges that combine with high tides can really bring the ocean up,” Forsythe said. “Back in 1999 we had to replace our carpet as the ocean pushed our deck door open during a big event.”

While helping a friend move recently, Forsythe happened upon this insane photograph of a storm surge hitting the resort next to the Proposal Rock Inn (photo below).   

“We aren't sure if this was 1999 or the early 1980s,” Forsythe said.

Photo courtesy Proposal Rock Inn

More Neskowin below, including the Ghost Forest

More About Neskowin, Three Capes Lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

 

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details