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CoastWatch Mile 101 County Coos Description Face Rock, Bandon Beach, Coquille Point Boundaries N 43° 7.019', W 124° 26.017' to N 43° 6.332', W 124° 26.122' Google Maps Nearby Roads, Directions to/from, Google photos, Satellite image, Terrain overlay OPRD Map Coquille River (Face Rock) to New River (1) Vehicles • Motor vehicle travel is prohibited from the northerly beach access parking area at Bullards Beach State Park (43° 08.9484', Mile 104), southerly to north of China Creek (43° 04.3938', Mile 98), except as follows: Motor vehicles are allowed at any time on the ocean shore at the south jetty of the Coquille River between (43° 07.3566', Mile 102) and (43° 07.3398', Mile 102). Weather Current Weather Conditions at nearby stations (may take a minute or two on a dialup connection) Tides The NOAA Tide Predictions site may be found here. Click on the station nearest to your location to see predicted tides in graphical and tabular formats. Photo Harbor Seals at Coquille Point   6/29/12 Seven Harbor Seals were hauled out on the rocks just in front of Elephant Rock at Coquille Point. Doug C

32 REPORTS FOR MILE 101: beachnut Apr 24, 2013 7:00 AM   A photographer stationed just north of Elephant Rock asked me if I had seen an eagle swoop down for a gull breakfast awaiting it on Elephant Rock. The photog said this has happened several times while he watched. He took a shot with the camera but said it was too slow and the snaring too quick. I, alas, missed the action. Perhaps tomorrow....   MORE  Doug C Apr 11, 2013 6:00 PM   Viewed the beach around sunset on a calm day. 15 people were also out enjoying the view. There appeared to be a small photography class. Golf balls were found in the wrack and on the beach, but the golfer was no longer present. [This seems to be in violation of littering and conducting an activity that could be a hazard to those on the beach.] Some terracing of the bluff was evident in an attempt to stabilize the earth/rock adjacent to the foundation of a home. Shells. animal casings, kelp/algae, small rocks, wood pieces and plastic pellets in the driftline.   MORE  beachnut Mar 22, 2013 7:30 AM   For the second time in two weeks, I've encountered a golfer chipping balls into the ocean. It was 7:30 a.m. on an otherwise empty beach, apart from me and two leashed dogs. This golfer was between Face Rock and Coquille Point, was stylishly dressed down to his golfing cleats and was staying at Sunset Motel, as his tracks revealed. Isn't there some sort of marine protection regulation against this sort of thing? I asked him if he was too cheap to go to the driving range. He didn't reply. Maybe I need to take my camera every time I go to the beach.   MORE  Doug C Jun 29, 2012 9:00 AM   About 19 pe0ple were primarily walking the beach on a cloudy Friday morning. Only two of seven dogs were leashed, however, these dogs with adults walked through a flock of gulls, disturbing them while they were getting fresh water from a creek running to the ocean. Summer is here, and numerous driftwood structures have been built on this mile (example shown). Eight dead birds were noted (Common Murre - 4; Western Gull - 3; Pelagic Cormorant - 1; Sooty Shearwater -1; reported to COASST). Seven harbor seals were hauled out at Coquille Point. Two Tufted Puffins were sighted on Elephant Rock at Coquille Point. Shells, casings, kelp/algae, small rocks and wood pieces were in the driftline.   MORE    Harbor Seals at Coquille Point    Description: Seven Harbor Seals were hauled out on the rocks just in front of Elephant Rock at Coquille Point. Location: Coquille Point, base of Elephant Rock Driftwood Structure    Location: About 300 yards south of steps at Coquille Pt. Doug C May 28, 2012 12:30 PM   Partly cloudy, very nice Memorial Day. Over 60 people out and about with eight dogs, several of which were unleashed. Low tide had exposed some rocks on the beach. Wrack was minimal. Noticed some small styrofoam fragments for the first time in a long time. Bluff erosion has reached the foundation of one house and the fence of a vacant lot overlooking the beach just north of the Face Rock Wayside.   MORE    Bluff erosion to foundation    Location: 200 yards north of Face Rock Wayside, Mile 101 Date: May 29, 2012 12:30 PM Erosion to Vacant Lot Fence    Location: 200 yards north of Face Rock Wayside, Mile 101 Date: May 29, 2012 12:30 PM Doug C Apr 12, 2012 10:30 AM   Observed the beach during intermittent clouds and sprinkles. Five people out walking attending two unleashed dogs. Tide was low (0.0 feet); beach was clean probably as a result of recent storms. No dead birds were observed. Mid-beach erosion due to winter storms is estimated to be 3 feet. Foredune erosion observed north of Coquille Point, estimated at 4-5 feet. Lots of logs were observed high on the beach. Shells small rocks and wood pieces in the driftline.   MORE  Doug C Dec 26, 2011 2:00 PM   This was just a visit to see the dead Gray Whale, not the full mile. High tide was receding. It had rotated the animal from right side up to having it lay on its right side. Approx. 38 feet long, robust, numerous gashes, flesh sloughing off, entrails protruding, bleeding from the left fin close to the body, blowhole gouged, and a chunk was missing from the top of tail forward of the flukes.   MORE    Gray Whale    Description: Dead, 38 feet long Location: Base of Face Rock Wayside, Grave Point, Mile 101 Gray Whale    Location: Base of Face Rock Wayside, Grave Point, Mile 101 Doug C Dec 2, 2011 11:30 AM   Nice calm Friday at low tide, three people walking on a sunny day. Found a 5-foot juvenile Northern Elephant Seal stranded high on the beach. Animal was moving flippers and its head, but ceased about 45 minutes later though still breathing. Reported sighting to marine mammal stranding network; signs were posted. Storms and high tides have cleaned the beach. Some dune erosion high and more large logs are present. Some sea palm kelp was present. (Observation on Dec. 5th showed movement of the seal to the base of the bluff.)   MORE    Stranded Seal    Location: 200 yards north of Face Rock Wayside, Mile 101 Stranded Seal    Location: 200 yards north of Face Rock Wayside, Mile 101 Doug C Oct 25, 2011 9:00 AM   Clear, crisp Fall day, 16 people walking, three dogs, about 10 vehicles at the Face Rock and Coquille access points. Wildlife mostly off-shore on rocks. Driftline had more sea palm kelp than usual. Some bull kelp was present. This has been a popular stretch for people building structures out of the driftwood, but only one was present. 14 dead Common Murres (about half adult/half juvenile) were much more than normal. No notable physical changes in shoreline.   MORE  Doug C Jun 5, 2011 2:00 PM   Calm, overcast day with a lots of people (29). It was the first time we saw two separate groups of people climbing on offshore rocks. Attempted to notify authorities and spoke to one climber. Shells, kelp/algae, small rocks, and wood in the driftline. Beach debris was normal, although there were several sets of log shelters constructed. Observed a Black Oystercatcher and a Whimbrel. Found one dead breeding Brandt's Cormorant.   MORE    Fishermen    Description: Two men fishing from an offshore rock Location: Off-shore from base of stairs at Face Rock Wayside Rock Climber    Description: Rock climber at offshore rock directly out from the Face Rock Wayside parking lot. Location: Directly out from the Face Rock Wayside parking lot. Coquille Point Gorse Fire Remnant    Location: Base of Coquille Point Stairs Example of Log Structures    Description: Several (4 or 5) structures had been assembled along the mile, mostly at the mid- to north-end. Location: Mid-mile 101 Doug C Apr 4, 2011 11:00 AM   Overcast, wind at 11 mph. Beach very clean. Driftwood high on the beach. Some sand erosion noted at the Coquille Point stairs. Sea lion reported earlier is now primarily a skeleton from the upper trunk to the tail and has moved about 15 feet from where it was first observed. Three people were out walking, no dogs. Common Murres and Gulls are gathering on the outer rocks. Several gulls were at the shoreline.   MORE  Doug C Feb 2, 2011 3:00 PM   Beautiful sunny day at near low tide. The beach was remarkably clean. Four people walking, checking tide pools and rocks. One dead sea lion was found at the base of the stairs at the Face Rock Wayside. No notable changes in the shoreline or landscape. Shells, small rocks and plastic pellets in the driftline. One dead Western Gull.   MORE    Dead Adult Sea Lion    Description: Probably a California Sea Lion, about 12 feet long, skull largely missing, two small holes in body due to birds feeding. Location: Face Rock Wayside, at high tide 100 feet south of base of stairs Doug C Nov 18, 2010 2:00 PM   Caught some sun between storms as did eight other people walking the beach. Tides had been high so the wrack was high with logs, seaweed and ocean-borne debris. Gulls dominated the sky and beach. One large immature gull was feeding a dead bird. Six other dead birds were observed (2 Western Gulls, 2 Northern Fulmars, and 2 Common Murres. One dead harbor seal was found.   MORE    Harbor Seal    Description: Seal, a little over 5 feet long, was high on the beach. Gull foot prints were around the head and tail which were punctured. Location: Near high-tide, about 100 yards south of the Sunset Motel Doug C Oct 3, 2010 3:00 PM   Nice partly sunny October day, winds maybe 10 mph, consequently 21 people were out, mostly walking. Eight (8) dogs, all but one unleashed, few under control. Numerous structures built with driftwood. Evidence of one fire in a driftwood pile near bluff grass and gorse. One person on horseback. Clear, brown jellyfish (4-7 inches in diameter, with short tentacles) were numerous in the wrackline. Sea palm kelp were prevalent also. Six dead birds found (Common Murre -2, Pelagic Cormorant, Brandt's Cormorant, Western Gull -2).   MORE    Brown Jellyfish    Description: Found numerous jellyfish about 4-7 inches in diameter with short tentacles. Location: Numerous in the wrack line on the southern end of the mile. Driftwood Fire    Description: Evidence of a fire in the driftwood pile at the base of the bluff. Location: Mile 101 south of the Coquille Point stairs about 150 yards Driftwood Structure - Mid Mile 101    Description: Structure south of the Coquille Point stairs, about 15x25 feet. Location: south of the Coquille Point stairs beachnut Feb 17, 2010 2:00 PM   Heavy maritime fog could not hide the ATV tracks entering the beach at the posted access near Tish A Tang. The tracks proceeded south in the wet sand left by the recent high tide. I'm unsure how far the ATV went as I turned back opposite the Windemere Motel. It was interesting to see how far the storm/high tides had come onto the grassy areas in front on the beachfront houses.   MORE  beachnut Dec 21, 2009 4:00 PM   I guess no one told the remaining flock of pelicans that they need to fly south. But they're still here fishing or seeking food beyond Elephant and Table rocks. The ones I could count with the naked eye numbered a half-dozen at least.   MORE  beachnut Dec 2, 2009 2:00 PM   Just for the record, I've observed a live marine mammal for two days where there should be none. I first spotted it lying in a runoff stream at the base of the Face Rock stairway, between the cliff and close rocks. It is alert and looks up when people are near. The first sighting was 11/30, then the tide transpired against a walk to check on the critter 12/1, but it was there 12/2 also, still alert. I hope someone keeps an eye on it. I couldn't get close enough to see whether it is a seal or a sea lion. It lays in front of a log if viewed from the ocean.   MORE  Doug C Nov 29, 2009 4:00 PM   Nice sunny, quiet day. Crisp temperature, moderate winds from the north. Tide was 0.0 ft and had been at 7.5 feet prior to our walk. Water had been sufficiently high to flatten all the sand from the ocean to the rock bluffs. Some plastic debris and dune erosion at the base of the bluff. The beach was very clean as a result. Heavy driftwood buildup at Coquille point stairs. Brown Pelicans and gulls were densely packed on Face Rock, Cat & Kittens, the north end of Elephant Rock and its surroundings, and on Table Rock. A small 4.5-inch fish was found on the beach; presumably it indicates a large food source that is keeping the birds around. About 8 people were walking the beach - no evidence of impact.   MORE    Stranded 4.5-inch Fish    Description: 4.5-inch fish on the beach. Location: About mid-mile south of Coquille Point Driftwood at Coquille Point    Description: Heavy driftwood buildup at the base of the Coquille Point stairs at 11th Street. Location: Coquille Point stairs at 11th Street Brown Pelicans and Gulls    Description: Brown Pelicans and gulls were densely packed on the north end of Elephant Rock and its surroundings, and flying in large numbers in the moderate breeze about 30 minutes before sunset. This was also true of Table Rock and Face Rock. Location: North Elephant Rock at Coquille Point beachnut Nov 24, 2009 8:30 AM   A very dead and degraded marine mammal (sorry, the smell was too vile to approach closer) lay on the high tide line slightly north of the steps at the Coquille Point access. Pboto included. Further south, was a live but injured pelican opposite Face Rock. I contacted Free Flight and assisted in its capture. It's being treated for a soft-tissue injury but is otherwise in great shape. Too bad it refuses to eat. Force feeding is planned.   MORE    mm24    Description: degraded, unidentified dead marine mammal. Location: a few yards north of the Coquille Point stairway injured pelican    Description: pelican unable to fly and hanging out in the incoming surf. Location: water line opposite Face Rock, north of the overlook beachnut Nov 18, 2009 12:00 AM   A dead, unbanded pelican that I observed two days ago is still on the high line opposite Table Rock, though much diminished because of hungry crows. They drew my attention to the body initially in their feeding frenzy, and they're still at it with a vengeance. Surf is still scarifyingly high, even when the tide isn't far from low. Be careful out there.   MORE  beachnut Nov 2, 2009 8:00 AM   A dead, unbanded pelican was in the high-tide line at the cluster of rocks just south of the Sunset motel beach cabins. Large flocks of pelicans are fishing offshore and resting on Table Rock in particular and, possibly, the islands west of Elephant Rock. I've been watching them for days now. They are entrancing.   MORE  Doug C Aug 8, 2009 11:00 AM   Sunny Saturday, moderate wind, thirty people including kids, 6 dogs (4 unleashed). Dead bird population was high (6 immature gulls and 11 immature Common Murres, 3 adult Common Murres, 7 immature Pelagic Cormorants). Numerous driftwood structures were built. Mussel clusters and brown seaweed were notable in the driftline of shells and small rocks. Wind caused dune formation at Grave Point as is usual in the summer. One dead Harbor Seal pup about 34 inches long. Numerous (perhaps 100) immature gulls on shoreline at Coquille Point.   MORE    Dune formation at Grave Point    Description: Wind generated dune forms each summer at the base of the Face Rock Wayside. Location: Base of Face Rock Wayside, Grave Point Harbor Seal Pup    Description: Dead Harbor seal pup about 34 inches long Location: N 43.112431, W 124.434498 Doug C May 25, 2009 10:00 AM   Sunny Memorial Day, strong winds and low tide. 55 people out and about, walking, tidepooling and playing in the sand. Harbor Seals (about 12) were hauled our with their pups (about 6) on the rocks at Coquille Point, attracting a crowd, some of whom were too close. Dog owners leashed their dogs upon request, and we were able to get most to back away from the seals. About 40 Brown Pelicans overflew the area during the 45 minutes we were there. One Black-legged Kittiwake (best guess) and one Ring-billed Gull among the numerous Western Gulls. Wrack line was clean with only shells and small rocks. No new developments along the shore.   MORE  Doug C Mar 17, 2009 11:45 AM   Sunny Tuesday with enough wind to fly a kite. 17 people, 8 dogs - all unleashed. Most people were walking (9), three were tidepooling and a couple were sitting or flying a kite in the light wind. One female Bufflehead seen in the shallow surf. No changes noted since the last report. Shells and small rocks in driftline. A large amount of driftwood remained high on the beach near the foredune. Beach was relatively clean except for access points.   MORE  Doug C Jan 26, 2009 9:30 AM   Just a brief note - sighted a bald eagle flying north over the beach at the level of the cliff. Beautiful bird, beautiful day.   MORE  Doug C Dec 23, 2008 2:30 PM   The day was cloudy, 45-50 degrees, with a slight breeze from the south. Moderate human impact, 17 people (12 walking, 3 playing in the sand, 2 tidepooling) and 4 dogs. One set of light truck vehicle tracks were observed from near Coquille Point to south of Face Rock. Driftline content was normal (shells, small rocks, ocean-borne plastics). Piles of Bull Kelp were high on the beach due to recent storms. Only birds observed were Western Gulls. One dead immature Western Gull. One dead Harbor Seal, 48 inches without skull. Even though it was low tide (0.0 ft), Purple Ochre Sea Stars could only be seen on rocks that were still far from the surf line. Housing development on the bluff continues with more exposed drainage pipes. Bluff erosion observed, but most probably not recent.   MORE    Dead Harbor Seal    Description: Harbor Seal at Coquille Point, 48 inches long, no skull Location: N43.11393, W124.43636 Bluff Erosion    Description: Erosion near beach level, some likely due to recent storms. Location: North of Coquille Point at north end of Mile 101 Exposed Drainage Pipes    Description: Second house under construction also has exposed drainage pipes. Location: North of Face Rock parking access about 200 yards Bull Kelp High on Beach    Description: Recent storms pushed large piles of Bull Kelp high on the beach Location: Mid-mile 101 Tire and Structure    Description: Small structure built at edge of beach had some concentration of trash and a tire Location: Uncertain: somewhere between mid-mile 101 and just north of Coquille Point Doug C Aug 15, 2008 10:00 AM   Foggy day with heavy human use (35)- 26 walking, one taking photographs and 8 doing Tai Chi. Sea Palm and Bull Kelp littered the surf line in larger than normal quantities. Birds were close-in. Injured Common Murre at surfline being harassed by a dog. Whimbrel and Black Oystercatcher sighted.   MORE    Whimbrel and Black Oystercatcher    Description: Black Oystercatcher with Whimbrel at Face Rock Beach Location: 40 yds S of Face Rock parking lot stairs to beach A   Lee Sep 13, 2007 4:30 PM   Wood pieces in driftline. Shorebirds foraging in the surfline and moving in response to humans and dogs. One dead bird. Heavy human impact (32)-20 walking, 2 photographing and 2 tidepooling. Children climbing on seastacks.   MORE  mauhag Jun 21, 2007 11:30 AM   Mile 101 at Coquille Point was serene, clean and not substantially different from the previous quarterly report. No dead birds was the major difference. Heavy human impact (36). Many walkers, picnickers and sunbathers were enjoying a beautiful day on the beach. Several boats were fishing offshore. Hundreds of birds were observed on the offshore rocks. They included Cormorants, Common Murres and Western Gulls. Locals report that several puffins are nesting on Face Rock but I did not see any. A lone Harbor seal was on Elephant Rock. A new house being built on the bluff has had some cosmetic impact on the bluff. Pipes are visible from the beach. Because an unweathered soda can and plastic bottle were noted in the path of horse shoe prints, it appears local horseback riders (whether private or from the nearby riding stable is unknown)are being careless with trashing the beach. An old tire was part of the litter, as it was in the last report. Also, kelp/algae, shells, animal casings, small rocks, wood pieces, and large pieces of driftwood were in the driftline. Overall, however, the beach was clean and relatively unchanged from the previous quarter. Beachgoers have built several 'forts' from the driftwood. They are scattered along the beach.   MORE    Coquille Point Development    Description: Home being built on bluff has drainage pipes visible. Location: Mile 101 just south of Coquille Point Date: Jun 21, 2007 10:30 AM Coquille Point Driftwood Forts    Description: This is an example of the several driftwood structures created by beachgoers. Location: Mile 101 just south of Coquille Point Date: Jun 21, 2007 10:30 AM A   Lee Jun 8, 2007 11:00 AM   Kelp/algae, shells, animal casings, small rocks, wood pieces and one large piece of Styrofoam in driftline. Shorebirds foraging in surf and moving in response to humans. Gulls, crows and blackbirds seen and one entangled dead bird. Beach very clean. Moderate human impact (18)- 12 walking, 4 tidepooling and 2 riding horses.   MORE  Tierney Wind Mar 21, 2007 4:00 PM   Common Murre on the rocks. A couple of Oystercatchers observed. Many purple and orange sea stars and anemones on rocks. A large amount of drift logs washed up during winter storms. One dead bird. Several driftwood forts built by beach visitors. Moderate human impact (15)-10 walking, 1 fishing, 3 rock-hunting and 1 taking photographs. Beach very clean-one large iron cage next to the beach acess stairs.   MORE    Driftwood "fort"    Location: by Coquille Point Date: Mar 21, 2007 12:00 AM Large piece of driftwood    Location: by Coquille Point Date: Mar 21, 2007 12:00 AM Rhinoceros Auklet    Description: Rhinoceros Auklet mauhag Mar 9, 2007 9:00 AM   Kelp knots, wood pieces, shells, a skate egg case, hydrozoa and bryozoa in driftline. Foraging shorebirds moving in response to human and dogs. Live Black Oystercatchers, Western Gulls, Sanderlings and Aleutian Geese. Otherwise, we had fairly typical sightings of birds for this time of year. There was an unusually large number of dead birds: 14 Rhinoceros Auklets, 4 Horned Puffins, 1 Tufted Puffin, 2 Cassin's Auklets, 1 Common Murre and 1 Western Grebe. 1 old sea lion carcass. Landslide near Face Rock. Several exposed drainpipes. Beach below Coquille Point unusually rocky. Moderate human impact (6)-walking, 2 dogs. There were some large pieces of debris - two tires, an old crabbing cage, and a large (3x3) plastic pallet. Overall, however, with the exception of a couple of plastic bottles, the beach was fairly free of litter.   MORE    Landslide near Face Rock    Description: This is a landslide on the south side of the Face Rock Park access. Location: mile 101 just south of Face Rock Park Date: Mar 9, 2007 12:00 AM Drain Pipes    Description: Picture of a couple of drain pipes that have been exposed. Location: approximately mid-point on mile 101 Date: Mar 9, 2007 12:00 AM