Oregon’s Octopus Tree is a Modern Wonder of the World

by | Nov 3, 2017 | Adventures, Oregon Coast, Travel, Western Oregon | 0 comments

Share This Article

Just a mere few hundred feet away from the Cape Meares Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast is a massive Sitka spruce, known as the Octopus Tree. Hiking to the tree is a quick 0.4-mile through the Cape Meares State Park. You will be amazed by the incredible scenery at this park, which sits about 200 feet above the ocean.

octopus tree

Don Barrett / Flickr

Famous Octopus Tree in Oregon

In fact, this unique, massive tree holds the record for the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon and was even featured on Ripley's Believe It Or Not. The Octopus Tree has been described as one of the modern Wonders of the World.

Peter Roome / Flickr

One theory behind the tree that is said to be around two to three hundred years old, suggests the Octopus Tree was shaped like an octopus by Indians who lived in the area to hold their cedar canoes and other ritual objects. Some say the bizarre shape of the tree was actually a result of violent winds.


RELATED: 26 Prime Oregon Coast Campgrounds


octopus tree

Jeremy Erickson / Flickr

Nearby, there's a sign that reads: "The forces that shaped this unique Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) have been debated for many years. Whether natural events or possibly Native Americans were the cause remains a mystery.

The tree measures more than 46 feet in circumference and has no central trunk. Instead, limbs extend horizontally from the base as much as 16 feet before turning upward. It is 105 feet tall and is estimated to be 250 to 300 years old."

Cape Meares State Park (Doug Kerr / Flickr)

Measured at 46 feet in circumference, the tree has no central trunk. Instead, its limbs extend horizontally from the base as much as 16 feet before turning upward. The Octopus Tree is 105 feet tall.

 

If you've had a chance to visit this incredible location, we'd love to hear about it! We hope you enjoyed this article. If you are looking for more awesome things to do in Oregon, hit the link here for our updated list. 


Share This Article

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

Related Articles

X