The "Octopus" Tree:

The ancient Sitka Spruce Tree at Cape Meares known as the Octopus Tree is unusual in many ways. It did not develop into a massive single trunk tree as would normally happen on the Oregon Coast. Instead, due to the hollow in which it grows and the strong winds along the coast, the tree grew into a giant with six candelabra branches extending horizontally as much as 30' from the trunk before turning up towards the sky. The trunk has a circumference of 50 feet.

The Octopus Tree is not the greatest scenic wonder at Cape
Meares: The Rock formations off the cape, Three Arches, and the ocean views are beautiful. The park also offers picnicking and restrooms, and a nice walk through the forest to the Octopus
Tree and other ocean views.

Forward ~ The coast viewed from the left shoulder of Mt Neahkahnie, one of the highest points on the Oregon Coast.

Back ~ ... and the sun sets on the Oregon Coast.

Scenery en route to and on the Oregon Coast. Directions when
traveling south from Waldport, Oregon on the Pacific Coast
Scenic Byway and when traveling north.

Want to hike? Hiking Trails on the Oregon Coast.

Brad and I invite you to take the roads less traveled: Leisurely
routes to the Oregon Coast, those that meander along
streambeds and river canyons.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake National Park.

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Links pertaining only to the retreat open a new window.

Travel to Gathering Light on the Umpqua Scenic Byway. Follow the Umpqua River from Reedsport, to Sutherlin. Get on on I - 5. From there head south 10 miles to Roseburg, Oregon, and access the Umpqua Scenic Byway: Directions, Map and Scenery.

Directions to and Day Trips of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Little Known Scenic Places near Crater Lake and the retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

Website Directory      Page Listing      Home Page

Contact Brad at Gathering Light.