Mile 14 Report
August 1, 2021
by artist
Other Mile 14 Reports (41)
2020
December 6, 2020 - artist
No unusual and/or negative natural or human impacts were observed. Weather was sunny; surf was big and loud.
June 20, 2020 - artist
Mattress dumped alongside trail near Highway 101 turnout just north of Whaleshead Trailhead.
March 17, 2020 - artist
The amount of trash and it's location on a steep slope make it difficult to retrieve. And a pickup truck is probably necessary to haul it away. Suggestion: To prevent future problems like this, some...
February 2, 2020 - artist
Nothing significant to report.
2019
March 30, 2019 - artist
Downed tree partially blocking the trail one-half mile north of Whaleshead
2018
July 8, 2018 - artist
The only unusual siting today was a bird carcass on the dunes. I assume it's a raven. I also removed a large beer bottle that was left alongside the trail, but it was in an area near the highway....
2017
November 11, 2017 - artist
Everything on the trail, dunes and cliffs was normal. Beach is unaccessible on this mile.
June 18, 2017 - artist
There were signs of recent cliff erosion and a trail-marking sign left by an organized hiking group. I left the sign, though maybe I should have removed it.
2016
November 29, 2016 - artist
Indian Sands: While watching the big surf from the rocky bluffs 60 feet above the ocean, I was struck by a wave that splashed up and over the rocks in front of me. I have a 24-second video of the...
October 23, 2016 - artist
There is some new erosion on the dunes due to recent heavy rains. Also, trail between Whaleshead and Indian Sands is somewhat blocked by two small fallen trees.
May 30, 2016 - admin
There is nothing significant to report. The trail, especially south of Indian Sands is in good shape, and there is no litter or damage. Attached photo shows cove (and ocean condition) between...
February 7, 2016 - artist
Except for large salamander on the dunes, there is nothing unusual to report. The entire trail is in good shape, especially since vegetation was cleared from portion of trail just north of Indian...
2015
August 23, 2015 - artist
Aside from the tunnel-like trail situation in the draw just north of the dunes (see photo), there are no apparent problems. And State Parks rangers whom I notified may work on the section of trail in...
May 3, 2015 - artist
It was a sunny warm day with cool ocean breezes. The only noteworthy change was the short spur trail mentioned on previous page.
March 5, 2015 - artist
This was an uneventful visit on a very pleasant day. No issues were evident.
2014
September 25, 2014 - artist
All was normal and there's little to report except for the overgrown condition of the trail along the cliff just north of the dunes. Since the trail further north (closer to the bridge) was recently...
August 10, 2014 - artist
Except for the couple camping, there was nothing noteworthy. The trail from Whaleshead to the dunes area remains well maintained, except in the dunes area itself, where there is constant movement and...
June 24, 2014 - artist
Aside from the strange brown color of the ocean water near the beaches and sea cliffs, there's nothing out of the ordinary to report.
2013
December 24, 2013 - artist
Except for the fallen tree near Whaleshead, trail is in good shape.Many footprints in sandy bluffs above cliffs indicate that unseasonably warm weather has brought many people to Indian Sands. Still...
October 29, 2013 - artist
No unusual activities or problems were observed, just a few people enjoying this mile's dramatic coastline on a beautiful fall day.
June 18, 2013 - artist
The trail is in good condition, and no negative activities were discovered. With the exception of the hawk and owl siting, it was an uneventful inspection during an occasional drizzle.
January 8, 2013 - artist
Considering the pleasant weather, it was surprising to see no other hikers or sightseers on the trail or cliffs, though there were lots of footprints that indicated that others had been there...
2012
June 24, 2012 - artist
Parking area just south of Thomas Creek Bridge now has abrupt drop-off between highway paving and gravel parking surface, making it difficult for some passenger cars to safely enter and exit. And...
January 28, 2012 - artist
It was an unusually warm day on the cliffs overlooking the surf, which was very calm. People there were simply enjoying the good weather and views. The trail is well maintained, and there were no...
2011
October 13, 2011 - artist
It was a beautiful balmy day on Mile14 with nothing unusual to report. The trail is in good shape.
July 24, 2011 - artist
There is nothing negative to report. The trail is well-maintained and free of litter. The one dog encountered was on a leash. Visitors were simply enjoying the area.
May 30, 2011 - artist
There was nothing unusual during this inspection, and human traffic was light.
January 22, 2011 - artist
Unusually warm, sunny weather brought lots of visitors to the trail and bluffs, but no negative activities or conditions were observed.
2010
September 23, 2010 - artist
Hikers commented on how well-maintained the trail was. Ironically, during this visit, I met Monica, who had just finished raking a portion of the trail.I should point out that Gary also does a lot of...
July 1, 2010 - artist
Sea was calm and sky clear, and except for continued natural erosion of sandy bluffs behind cliffs and minor litter at one trailhead, there's little to report. Hikers even commented on excellent...
January 23, 2010 - artist
With the exception of one small, fallen tree across the trail a quarter mile south of Indian Sands, conditions of the trail, shoreline and surrounding landscape display no serious problems.
2009
October 1, 2009 - artist
As with my summer report, there is nothing negative to report. All appears well.
August 27, 2009 - artist
This is an uneventful report, as not a single vehicle or person was encountered, the trail remains in good condition, and no litter was found. Due to fog, it was not even possible to see the surf.
May 13, 2009 - artist
While the use of this area and trail was quite heavy compared to most reports, there are no serious violations or problems.
2008
November 16, 2008 - artist
The only negative to report is that three downed trees now block the trail within a half mile of the Whaleshead trailhead. A crew or individual with a chainsaw is needed to clear the trail.
August 24, 2008 - artist
Except for the presence of poison oak along some parts of the trail, there is nothing negative to report. I mention the poison oak because I had a serious reaction to a recent exposure while on...
May 24, 2008 - artist
There was brown-colored water in two coves below the bluffs and slightly more litter along the trail than is usually encountered. I'm guessing that the brown-colored sea water was caused by some type...
February 10, 2008 - artist
Nothing out of the ordinary was experienced during this inspection, only heavy wave action and normal seabird activity. The area covered this time was between Indian Sands and Thomas Creek Bridge.
2007
October 21, 2007 - artist
Though there were more people than usual on the trail, there is nothing negative to report. As far as I can tell, no one was engaged in illegal or harmful activities. People were just picking berries...
June 21, 2007 - artist
This report (6/21/07) was done as part of a hike made with six other people. Many had never been on this trail before and commented on the trail's excellent condition. The trail, even at the...
April 15, 2007 - artist
The only negative thing that I found on this entire trip from Whaleshead to Indian Sands was a lone soda can, and that was at the trail head (Whaleshead).