Octopus Tree (Oregon)

Not to be confused with the tree octopus.

The Octopus Tree (also known as the Candelabra Tree, Council Tree, and Monstrosity Tree) is a Sitka spruce tree on Cape Meares in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States.^[1]

Octopus Tree
Octopus Tree Cape Meares, Tillamook County, Oregon, United States
Coordinates	45.4863°N 123.9780°W / 45.4863; -123.9780

Description

The tree is approximately 30 m (105 feet) tall and has no primary trunk. Its circumference is approximately 15 m (46 feet). The tree is estimated to be 250–300 years old and has been described as a "natural wonder".^[2] According to the Statesman Journal, "historians say was used by local tribes for ceremonies and was trained into its distinctive octopus shape".^[3]

Reception

The Octopus Tree has been designated a state heritage tree by the Oregon Travel Experience.^[4] Jamie Hale included the tree in The Oregonian's 2017 lists of "The 12 most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast" and "The 40 best roadside attractions in Oregon".^[5][6] He also included the Octopus Tree in the newspaper's 2019 list of "The 12 best roadside attractions on the Oregon Coast Highway".^[7] The Octopus Tree has also been described as "famous" and "unique".^[8][9]

References

1. "Octopus Tree of Oregon". Atlas Obscura. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
2. Jamie, Hale (January 27, 2019). "Cape Meares has big views, big trees and one little lighthouse on the Oregon coast". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
3. Urness, Zach; Davis, David (May 15, 2019). "Visit and climb inside these 9 Oregon Coast lighthouses. Here's how". Statesman Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
4. Richard, Terry (July 7, 2015). "Cape Meares, Bayocean Spit pack 1-2 Tillamook punch". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
5. Hale, Jamie (July 11, 2017). "The 12 most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
6. Hale, Jamie (November 19, 2017). "The 40 best roadside attractions in Oregon". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
7. Hale, Jamie (July 14, 2019). "The 12 best roadside attractions on the Oregon Coast Highway". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
8. Eastman, Janet (August 21, 2020). "Travel deals benefit road trippers: Check out Oregon's unique vacation getaways". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
9. "Statesman Journal".

External links

• Oregon portal

• Media related to Octopus tree at Wikimedia Commons