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CoastWatch Mile 172 County Lane Description Heceta Beach North, Driftwood Shores Boundaries N 44° 2.965', W 124° 7.984' to N 44° 2.056', W 124° 8.133' Google Maps Nearby Roads, Directions to/from, Google photos, Satellite image, Terrain overlay OPRD Map Sutton Creek to Siuslaw R, to Siltcoos R (1) Vehicles • Motor vehicle travel is prohibited from the Lincoln County-Lane County line (44° 16.5774', Mile 190), southerly to the Siuslaw River (44° 00.9720', Mile 170). 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 Grebe   1/17/08 Red eyes still whole and moist. Body has not been disturbed. Oyster

42 REPORTS FOR MILE 172: Robin and Mark Mar 18, 2013 2:15 PM   Very few people or birds. Very little debris in driftline. Strong north wind on beach, light wind inland a few blocks. Evidence of normal sand loss during winter with some erosion at base of vegetated dunes in places.   MORE  Robin and Mark Sep 28, 2012 9:30 AM   Noticable absence of plastic, beach very clean, very little driftline deposit - manmade or natural.   MORE  oldMGguy May 28, 2012 6:00 PM   Beautiful afternoon for barefoot walking in the wet sand. A pair of osprey were putting on quite a show for the many holiday weekend visitors. Since yesterday, there has been a pickup truck sized amount of large broken foam blocks and insulation washed up at the high water line. Consisting of blue 2" and 4" thick chunks, and numerous small off-white and yellowed foam blocks (not fishing floats). One large 6" deep piece was glued to a plywood panel about 3 feet by 3 feet in size. the total volume of broken foam pieces along Mile 171 would fill a pickup truck bed to capacity. None of the foam had any significant marine growth like gooseneck clams on them, so most likely from local sources rather than from Japan.   MORE  Robin and Mark Apr 24, 2012 4:00 PM   Horse tracks on north end of this mile.A lot of plastic in driftline. Also lots of beachgrass in driftline which has eroded from dunes during recent heavy storms.   MORE  Robin and Mark Jan 31, 2012 1:30 PM   A lot of plastic in driftline. Also lots of beachgrass in driftline which has eroded from dunes during recent heavy storms.   MORE  Robin and Mark Nov 25, 2011 2:00 PM   Busy day for humans on the beach - the day after Thanksgiving. A notable lack of birds - a few gulls, no crows, no shorebirds.   MORE  Robin and Mark Oct 18, 2011 11:00 AM   This was a very warm, sunny, low wind, and generally beautiful day! There was extensive evidence of shorebirds feeding in the wet sand in the past few hours. Only crows and gulls were present when were there. The 11 dead birds we found in our mile was the highest number we have seen in our mile since we began collecting data in January of 2010. 7 were Common Murre and 4 were not identified due to more advanced decomposition and our modest skills in dead bird identification.   MORE  Robin and Mark Aug 29, 2011 11:30 AM   Migrating shorebirds feeding in flocks of up to 200, predominately Western Sandpiper with some Semi-Palmated Plover and Sanderlings. One dead bird on beach with many feathers in driftline. Very little plastic in drifline - much less than usual.   MORE  Robin and Mark May 1, 2011 1:15 PM   Spring shorebird migration in full swing! Shorebird migration in process. Minimum of 1100 shorebirds on this mile of beach. They were primarily Western Sandpiper, with some Dunlin, Sanderling, Semi-Palmated Plover, and 2 Redknots.   MORE  Robin and Mark Dec 31, 2010 2:30 PM   A large concrete block that had been on the north part of mile 172 has been transported to the south end of mile 172 near Driftwood Shores. The pieces of plastic in the driftline are substantially larger than we have seen for awhile.   MORE  Robin and Mark Nov 2, 2010 2:30 PM   Massive amounts of Jellyfish on the beach in the southern portion of Mile 172. Also many fresh large piles of Bull Kelp. People reported hundreds of Sea Stars washed up yesterday. Observed one stranded Western Grebe on beach that was slowly working its way back towards the ocean.   MORE    Large Mass of Bull Kelp    Description: Several Large Masses of Bull Kelp recently deposited on the beach. Jellyfish Covering Beach    Deteriorated Sea Star From Yesterday's Mass Beaching    Stranded Western Grebe    Robin and Mark Oct 22, 2010 11:55 AM   Lots of jellyfish on beach - 3 species. Abundant green foam on beach and in surf. Birds - Mixed flocks of shorebirds. Observed 300+ birds. Primarily Sanderling with some Dunlin. Occasional small flocks of murres or scoters flying south. More large and small plastic in driftline than on July visit. Also lots of balled up seaweed.   MORE  Robin and Mark Jul 22, 2010 10:30 AM   Survey conducted by Mark and Aidan. Numerous people, few birds, and high winds. Quite a bit of small plastic in driftline. Large concrete block base has been exposed by wind erosion revealing wooden pieces bolted to concrete suggesting possiblility concrete block was bolted to large wooden dock/pier when originally deposited on beach.   MORE    Concrete Block With Wood Exposed    Location: Near North end of mile 172 Wood on Concrete Block    Location: Near North end of Mile 172 Assumed Large Plastic Pool Toy (Pen for Scale)    Location: Near South End of Mile 172 in Creek Small Plastic in Driftline (Pen for Scale)    Robin and Mark May 26, 2010 12:50 PM   Unusually high amount of small plastic and crab shells in driftline. Lack of migrating shorebirds, only 1 Whimbrel present.   MORE  Robin and Mark Apr 23, 2010 10:20 AM   Shorebird migration in progress with 1000-1200 shorebirds seen feeding on the beach in large flocks at one time. These feeding birds were predominately Western Sandpiper with some Dunlin, and a few Dowichers and Semi-Palmated Plovers. Fly-bys included Whimbrels and Brown Pelicans.   MORE    Migrating Shorebirds Feeding on the Beach    Location: In front of Driftwood Shores Motel Stranded Fish on the Beach    Location: In the middle of mile 172 Large concrete block on the beach    Location: North end of mile 172 Robin and Mark Jan 31, 2010 2:30 PM   Evidence of European beachgrass eroding out of foredune in front of portions of the Kla Ha Nee development. Noticeable amount of dead beachgrass in drift line.   MORE  Jackie Sep 22, 2009 10:00 AM   This is not our mile, but thought we needed to report that there are 9 dead Humboldt Squid on the beach at the high water line between the southern entrance to Kla-Ha-Nee subdivision and Sutton Creek. The squid range in length from 2 to 3 feet, and all seem to have a bite taken out of them. There were 2 additional dead squid just south of the subdivision, and while we did not walk further south, there were people stopping and looking at lumps on the sand, which we assumed were dead squid. This is one time I really wished we had our camera along.   MORE  cheshire Sep 3, 2009 11:00 AM   There is quite a bit of standing water on the beach right now, which seems to be coming from the creek just south of Driftwood Shores. Has something gone awry with the drainage in this area? The beach looks extremely dirty, and in some areas is covered with green moss. In other places, the sand looks almost moldy and is dotted with white spots. There is a lot of driftwood and litter on this mile at present. There is also evidence of a recent (illegal) campfire on the beach. The sea foam at the water line is yellow and so thick today that it almost looks like solid sponge in places. The sea lion carcass/bones that were located on this section of beach earlier in the summer have disappeared. It is not clear whether the bones were buried under the sand or washed out to sea. I will include pictures of the bones taken on July 21 of this year.   MORE    sea lion bones 1    Location: mile 172 in front of Driftwood Shores Date: Jul 21, 2009 11:00 AM sea lion bones 2    Location: mile 172 in front of Driftwood Shores Date: Jul 21, 2009 11:00 AM Oyster Feb 3, 2009 4:00 PM   Beach clean of land based debris. Lots of drift tree & branches and broken sand dollar shells in mid-M172 area. Cement block in relatively (4x4x10 ft) same location, but shifted to east/west orientation. Block movement is arrested by large tree root (see photo). One recently dead murrelet (see photo). Red/orange algae growth in same area as the sewage drainage located between Driftwood Shores Inn and Surfside restaurant (see photo).   MORE    Recently dead Murrelet    Description: Murrelet seems recently dead. No bands, no bleeding or wounds. Good condition of feathers, feet, plumpness, and beak seems to indicate a youthful age. Location: 1/2 mile south of Sutton Creek. Red/Orange Algae    Description: Red/orange alga-like growth in water draining to ocean from same drainage pipe of Nov. '08 sewage leak. Location: Between Driftwood Shores Inn and Surfside Restaurant Large Drifts    Description: Large drift trunks, roots, and branches. Location: 1/4 mile south of Sutton Creek. Drift stopping cement block from traveling south    Description: Large tree jutted against south side of cement block and stopping block from traveling southward. Orientation shifted from north/south to east/east/west direction. Location: N44.04760; W134.13120 Cement Block shifts location by 4¼    Description: 4x4x10 cement block remains in current position, held in check by drift tree; but shifts from n/s direction to e/e/w orientation. Location: N44.04760, W124.13120 Slump at #173's Sutton Creek    Description: Ongoing slumping of Sutton Creek edge, north edge of Klahanee Development. Note rip rap at property-side bend of creek. Location: Sutton Creek bend as it drains toward ocean. Oyster Jan 13, 2009 4:30 PM   Except for surf/wind blown wood drifts, beach is clean. The 4x4x10 cement block seems to have shifted its position south about 10ft., with more sand beneath it. N44.04760û W124.13124û (See 12/23/08 photo for comparison photos)   MORE    1/13/09 cement block shifts position    Description: 4x4x10 cement block, possibly floated in from sea, shifted south about 10 ft. Large tree w/root has prevented block from moving further south. Location: N44.04760ûW124.13124û Date: Jan 13, 2009 12:00 AM 12/23/08 cement bloc    Description: Photo of 4x4x10ft. Angled more no/south and located about 10ft north of 1/13 location.Wood planks bolted to bottom. Location: About 10 ft south of 1/13 GPS location RPurscelley Dec 31, 2008 2:00 PM   Lots of driftwood from recent storms. Nothing significant or unusual. Gorgeous day.   MORE  Oyster Dec 23, 2008 3:00 PM   Clean beach, excepting 30 plastic strapping tapes (seems like boxes were opened out at sea) and about 12 sandwich-size wax papers & plastic bags. Re report by 173, Sutton Creek meandered back north,(see photos 11/28 & 12/23);and, the cement block (2 photos attached 12/23) moved south about 1/8 miles, south of Sutton Creek mouth, high up at fore dune level. Lots of tree size drifts blown in with previous storms. Very light breeze and sunny today. On 12/30/08 oldMGguy contributed this: That large concrete float looks like one of the floating marina dock floats at that abandoned marina west of the Siuslaw River Bridge. Several sections of the dock structure have either sunk, broken up, or are missing.   MORE    Cement block    Description: 4x4x10 ft. cement block has moved south about 1/8th mile south of Sutton Creek mouth. According to 173, cement block was first cited 11/17 at the last bend in the creek before the ocean. Location: 1/8th mile south of Sutton Creek mouth. 11/28/08 Sutton Creek meandering north    Description: After storm, Sutton Creek overflowing bend at the mouth. Date: Nov 28, 2008 3:00 PM 12/23/08 Sutton creek going south    Description: Sutton Creek meandering back north. 4x4x10 cement block from Sutton Creek    Description: Close up shot of cement block. Notice my glove on top at the closest corner. Block is bolted to wood beams. Location: 1/8th mile south of Sutton Creek mouth. Date: Dec 23, 2008 12:00 AM Oyster Nov 28, 2008 2:00 PM   Good weather invited over 100 to visit beach. Generally clean beach; tide just turned around to ebb. Nothing unusual. Sand is returning (see photos); as reported by #173, Sutton Lake outlet is meandering north (see photo); and heavy winds from previous days brought in colorful foams(see photo. The natural order comes in cycles.   MORE    Sand coming back    Description: Compared to 2/08 sand level increased by 4 ft. Location: Mile 172 beach 11/28/08    Description: Sand level increased by 4 ft. Location: M172 beach Sutton Lake outlet 2/20/08    Description: Regular location of outlet. Outlet to the south allowing foot traffic. Location: sutton creek outlet between M172 & 173 11/28 sutton creek outlet    Description: outlet meandered north up to ripraps of Klahanee. Howard was unable to go beyond rocks. Location: sutton creek outlet between M172 & 173 sea foam    Description: wind blew in sea foam. Bubbles captured light dispersion. Location: M172 beach Oyster Nov 15, 2008 4:00 PM   1) Unlike 11/01 with literally thousands of seagulls coming in swarms and eating like sand pipers from the bubbly receding surf. Two days later just a couple hundreds remain; and now 15 days later about 20. 2) Driftwood Shores drainage is showing toilette paper like discharge upon sand, draining to the sea. see photo. Mother of Child playing near this discharge was alerted. 3) Lots of wood and large tree branches. [Webmaster's note: According to an 11/20/08 email from Mike Miller at City of Florence, "The [sewage] is where Lane County's stormwater line discharges. Martin, manager of Driftwood Shores, has informed me that they have tested high levels of nitrates coming from that County culvert, which means that there is a failed or multiple failed septic systems across the street (east side of First Street). Driftwood Shores wastewater treatment plant does not have a connection to that storm system... The County's stormwater culvert does run under the Driftwood Shores buildings."]   MORE    Sewage drainage?    Description: Many pieces of disintegrating toilette paper seem to be among liquid draining from Driftwood Shores Inn. No odor. Location: Driftwood shores near restaurant Date: Nov 15, 2008 12:00 AM Close up of drainage material    Oyster Jul 31, 2008 7:30 PM   Clean beach. Appearance of water leakage surfacing from ground between south end of Driftwood Shores Inn and homes on other side of dry storm drain.   MORE  Oyster May 31, 2008 10:30 AM   Rip Rap N/W corner of Driftwood Shores. Sand coming back. Clean beach. A grouping of natural, little sand sculptures   MORE    Sand Flea casings/legs at driftline    Sand Sculptures    Description: Seems like natural little sand sculptures near top of sand dune. Not size of leaf Rip Rap at Driftwood Shores Inn    Wider shot of sand sculptures (natural, I presume)    Description: 500 ft. no. of Driftwood Shores Inn RPurscelley Mar 2, 2008 2:00 PM   Realize we need to take clean-up action more often. A bit suprised with the amount of garbage.   MORE  Oyster Jan 17, 2008 1:30 PM   Sand have been storm eroded by about 3 ft. exposing old logs and shells. Recent long periods of rain have caused water to surface and create creeks and rivulets near foot of dunes, draining toward sea. In some areas water came out of flat dry sand and created rivulets and shallow creeks. Dead Auk and Grebe.   MORE    Grebe    Description: Red eyes still whole and moist. Body has not been disturbed. Location: within 1/2 mi north of Driftwood Shores Inn. Murrelet    Description: Eyes moist and whole. Seems to have come in on last flood tide. Location: within 1/2 mi north of Driftwood Shores Inn. Mini creeks    Description: Recent rains may have raised water table to encourage spontaneous rivulets, forming larger creeks, to form at foot of foredunes or simply in middle of open sand. These mini creeks have enough continuous flow to make their way down to the sea. Location: 1/4 mi. north from Driftwood Shore Inn Dune erosion    Description: Sand seems to have washed away by about 3 feet. No apparent threat or damage to homes. Location: Within 1/2 mi north of Driftwood Shores Inn. Oyster Dec 9, 2007 11:30 AM   CALM DAY. SCATTERED STORM RELATED WOOD, BRANCH, TREE DEBRIS. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO BEACH.   MORE    MILD STORM    Location: 1/4 mile north of Driftwood Shores Inn Oyster Nov 26, 2007 1:00 PM   Clean beach, sand seem to be accumulating slowly as usual outcrops seem to be buried more. Many 3-4" crabs casing. Many small clumps of kelp laced with feathers. Large kelp plants ashore. All seem to be result of recent storm and wave surges onto beach.   MORE  Oyster Sep 17, 2007 4:15 PM   From July to current date, beach occupation ranged from 9 to over 200 depending on day and temperature. generally, summer watch was calm, non destructive, and enjoyed via surfing, sitting, surfing, walking, running w/ or w/o dogs. Only concern is the many dog feces rolling along tide line and just under surface of sand. Children playing may contact these, not to mention bare feet.   MORE  Oyster Aug 5, 2007 12:30 PM   Sand seems to be accumulating at foredune. Sea grass, hair, sea palms and kelp in abundance. Unleashed and leashed dogs are leaving droppings. Children unknowingly playing near. 7/19 temp was 72, very light winds, about 200 people, with about 20 playing in the surf, 30+ sitting/laying in sand.   MORE    Sea debris    Description: Many clusters alon drift line of sea debris comprised of reeds, what looks like packing strips, feathers, shells, twigs. Location: 1/4 mile north of Driftwood Shores Inn Date: Jul 16, 2007 12:00 AM Seal bones    Description: Bones of, I think, a seal. Location: 1/4 mile north of Driftwood Shores Inn Date: Jun 17, 2007 3:00 PM Sea "harvest"    Description: Many clusters along drift line comprised of sea palms, kelp, and "hair" held together with long strands of seagrass-like strings. Note ~10" jelly fish near front cluster. I don't know names of plants. Location: 1/2 half mi north of Driftwood Shores Oyster Jul 2, 2007 5:00 AM   Seems sand are accumulating a little. Many people, most dogs on leash, trash free beach. Saw no animal carcases. No crows, seagulls, vultures, or sandpipers present. Fog made entrance by 6:00 pm.   MORE  Oyster Jun 7, 2007 3:00 AM   1500 hrs 6/7/07. Imminent showers. 4 of 6 telephone poles still remain. Fresh octopus located at high tide line. 100s of crab casings and dismembered legs. Large sand flea casings. See photos. Storm/tide?? also brought memorial ocean-wreaths (6).   MORE    Octopus dead or alive    Description: Fresh, soft, 4' octopus. Skin still wet and pliable. Mostly buried except for 1 arm and head portion. Eye seemed to be looking at me. Body cavity of fresh organs feasted on by vultures. Located high on high tide line. Location: 1/2 mile north of Driftwood Shores Inn octopus profile    Description: I returned 10 minutes later and pulled up its arm. By then the vultures or gulls took its eyes. Approx 4' long. It was too soft to pull up the rest. Arm looked like it had paddles for hands. Location: 1/2 half mi north of Driftwood Shores Crab Line    Description: Drift line lined with 100s of approx 2-6" crab casings and recently cannibalized body. Also large sand flea casing among crabs. Location: 1/2 mile no. of Driftwood Shores Inn crab loses home    Description: Many crab cases along with many crab legs/bodies. Example of size. Flesh cleanly picked. Location: 1/2 mile north of Driftwood Shores Inn vultures    Description: vultures feasting. Photo shows how high up on beach octopus is located (half buried). Location: 1/2 mile no. of Driftwood Shores Inn Oyster May 7, 2007 5:30 PM   All is clean and windy. Very flat beach sand. Enclosed are 2 photos from 4/26. 1) Driftline of beautiful, purple-colored, tiny jelly fish. Size 1/16 x 3/16" and firm to the touch. Too small for me to see clearly. Water drainage of bright red algae, or some slimey substance. No evidence of either on 5/7/07.   MORE    Purple Jellies 4/26/07    Description: 1/16 x 3/16 firm jelly fish, or the like. Too small to determine if they were still alive. Location: 1/2 mile no. of Driftwood Shores Inn Date: May 7, 2007 12:00 AM Red Algae    Description: Red slimy, but gritty substance in sand within drainage. Location: >1/2 mile no of Driftwood Shore Oyster Apr 23, 2007 4:30 PM   Clean Beach, calm day. No dead fowl or mammals. Many shells, small rocks and wood pieces. Nothing unusual or problematic.   MORE  Oyster Mar 5, 2007 4:30 PM   large drift trees are gone, many small rocks, shells, pieces of wood. Sutton Creek meandered back south and removing sand piled on during storm. See photos.   MORE    rip rap 2/8/07    Description: rip rap sitting on sand Location: north end of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM rap rap 3/5/07    Description: Sutton Creek eroding sand on which rip rap sits and appears to be dragging a couple toward sea Location: North end of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Mar 5, 2007 12:00 AM puffin?    Description: An orange beak, black back, white belly bird.. don't know name. I understand many puffins were found on M173 & 174. Could this be another? Location: 1/2 half mi north of Driftwood Shores Date: Mar 5, 2007 12:00 AM Oyster Feb 11, 2007 3:00 PM   High water, high wind equals beautiful drifts of foam. No debris present. Lots of logs, lumber, and shells. Ocean & beach very clean. Sutton Creek, at the bend entering the ocean, is more like a bay today. Plentiful rain increased size of natural creeks coming up from sand.   MORE    Sea Foam    Description: "clean" foam & beach. Location: 1/2 mi. north of Driftwood Shores Inn Sutton Creek "Bay"    Description: Post high tide, but tide level still topping over the bend in the creek to make it look more like a bay. Where's the sand? Location: Sutton Creek outlet to the ocean (mile 173, I believe) Mini creek    Description: What started out as a hand-span wide creek is now about 4 ft across. It's uncovering some pretty driftwood. Oyster Feb 8, 2007 3:00 PM   Locals mentioned seeing unusually high number of dead "birds" but didn't know what kind. Storm swept drift wood and trees abound. Sutton Creek exit to ocean seem to be meander north. Bluff erosion (see photo) but may be seasonal.   MORE    Western Grebe    Description: On tide line Location: Mid way of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM Greenish Black Bird    Description: Black back & head, green underneath, black webbed feet. Recently died. Location: Mid way of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM Beaked duck?    Description: Black black, black & white mottled below. Beaked bill. Red webbed feet. Died some time ago; decomposed or eaten head and neck. Can't tell what it is. Location: mid way of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM Erosion    Description: Development drainage into ocean after long period of storm seem to have eroded drainage area and now protected by rip rap. Rip rap may have there for a long time. I've not noticed it before. Location: Mid way of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM Fish or mammal?    Description: Almost 13" round with apparent flat teeth. Large eyes and fins may have been eaten or decomposed. Low outgoing tide. Location: Mid way of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Nov 16, 2006 12:00 AM Foam    Description: New home with rip rap at base Location: North end of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Nov 16, 2006 12:00 AM No foam    Description: Same home; rip rap up close. No perceived addition. Location: North end of Klahane Dev., Florence, OR Date: Feb 8, 2007 12:00 AM Oyster Jan 16, 2007 2:00 PM   Dogs off leash ran after "sandpipers" and seagulls. Generally clean beach, sand is gone compared with last week.   MORE  Oyster Jan 8, 2007 2:00 PM   Storm waves bringing in many drift trees; as well as wood, shells, wood debris. Very little sand to walk on (end of high tide.) One Murrelet freshly dead.   MORE  Oyster Nov 16, 2006 9:30 AM   Home being built on dune edge. Possible Sun Fish. Immature Murrelet. Large piles of kelp.   MORE    White foam    Low levels of sand    Sun fish    Description: Fish with straight teeth -- probably a small sun fish Construction    Description: Residence under construction at edge of foredune. Note riprap hardening. Pile of kelp    Description: One of the huge piles of bull kelp (Nereocystis) Murrelet    Description: Immature murrelet