Mile 247 Report

December 24, 2020
by jayenhollytag

Location:
Lincoln
South Spit Salmon River, Tillamook/Lincoln county line
Conditions:
Thursday
50° F
Wind:
Calm/Light
Humans / Pets:
People:
4
Dogs:
1
Activities:
Walking / Running:
4
Concerns:
Apparent Violations:
None
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Activity Comments:
Notable Wildlife:
Dead Birds:
Total:
3
Stranded:
Total:
0
Fish & Invertebrates:
Driftline:
Small rocks·Kelp or Algae·Shells·Animal casings (e.g. crab, shrimp molt)·Wood pieces·Land-based debris (picnics, etc.)·Plastic pellets·Styrofoam·Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.)
Various pieces of plastic, including pieces of broken patio furniture, water bottles (two filled with urine, probably tossed from a fishing boat-pretty disgusting), plastic toys, two boat paddles, a few pierces of plywood (painted, so we removed them), and assorted cellophane wrappers and pieces of plastic- most concentrated at the north end of the mile, closer to the Salmon River. We suspect some or most of this debris was associated with boating.
New Development:
None
Modifications:
None
Natural Changes:
Near the south end of the beach there is usually modest erosion, associated with landslides and water run-off. Nothing out of the ordinary was present this time around.
Comments:
Summary:

This survey was actually over two days, Dec. 23 and 24, 2020.  The weather was very nice both days, although a bit windy on Dec. 24.  Owing to the remote location of this beach, there was very little human activity.  We only saw a three person family with a young child and another adult with a dog, and only on the first day.  Everyone was acting responsibly.  Our main observation, and this was primarily concentrated on the northernmost end of the beach, was a considerable amount of human debris, which we gathered up and took away.  This continues to be a beautiful beach, in very good condition, but it does receive debris from primarily ocean and river traffic.  

  • Run-off from hillside on south end of beach
    December 24, 2020
  • View to the north on Three Rocks Beach
    December 23, 2020
  • Debris picked up from Three Rocks Beach
    December 23, 2020
Other Mile 247 Reports (16)

2021

March 3, 2021 - jayenhollytag
We surveyed Mile 247 over two days, March 3 an4 4, 2021.  Although this beach receives very little activity, since there is no easy access, it still has considerable plastic and other trash that...
read more

2020

September 20, 2020 - jayenhollytag
This survey was about two weeks later than we had intended.  It was delayed because of the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.  By the time of this survey, the local air had cleared and people were out...
read more
  • egg case
September 20, 2020 - jayenhollytag
This survey was about two weeks later than we had intended.  It was delayed because of the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.  By the time of this survey, the local air had cleared and people were out...
read more
  • egg case
  • tree over cliff
  • Mile 147
  • carved ledge
June 13, 2020 - jayenhollytag
Mile 247, at the Salmon River Estuary, continues to be a very clean and pristine beach, likely owing to its remote location.  One difference on this inspection was the total lack of dead seabirds,...
read more
  • Looking North toward Cascade Head
  • Lanslide area south end of Mile 247
  • Plastic drum with rope
  • Debris picked up on survey
March 4, 2020 - jayenhollytag
Another calm day on a beautiful beach.  Aside from pieces of plastic, an ever present problem on many Oregon beaches, no reason to be concerned about the beach at Mile 247.
read more

2019

December 3, 2019 - jayenhollytag
Overall, Mile 247 continues to be an an exceptionally clean, pristine beach, owing largely to its remote location.  In addition to what was noted above, we saw two dead seals or sea lions and about a...
read more
  • Mile 247
  • Dead seal
  • Live harbor seals
September 3, 2019 - jayenhollytag
We were informed by Westwind staff that a live trap had been set for a dog that had been roaming the beach for several months, living off a whale tale that had washed ashore. We saw the trap (see...
read more

2013

April 8, 2013 - rainydaywalker
A significant number of people appeared for such a remote mile. Spotted an entire tree deposited on shoreline, as well as clumps of mussels.
read more

2012

August 2, 2012 - rainydaywalker
Sandcastle on the beach. Trawler offshore. Abundant tidepool life.
read more
July 24, 2012 - rainydaywalker
Six sandcastles present. Found some spent fireworks debris.
read more
April 7, 2012 - rainydaywalker
It was invigorating to be on the beach again. Short visits due to winter tide conditions and my schedule have limited this activity. I was so taken by the apparent joy among the folks out for their...
read more

2011

June 1, 2011 - rainydaywalker
I noted the average in my report, as my walks are frequent, but my reports are few. Have misplaced my log-on identity, so created a new one this afternoon, in order to submit this report.
read more

2009

September 25, 2009 - jboyden
A glorious Indian Summer day on this pristine beach. The gulls and brown pelicans had it all to themselves.
read more
  • Looking south over Mile 247
  • Keyhole in bluff at south end of mile 247

2008

February 5, 2008 - jboyden
The weather was fierce and the tide was high. The beach was clean. No problems to report.
read more

2007

August 25, 2007 - jboyden
This mile continues to be very clean. The large number of brown pelicans was the highlight of the day.
read more

2006

September 24, 2006 - jboyden
1. No further progress in rock slides on southern basalt wall. Grass is starting to grow on it. 2. The sand has really built up since my last visit [6/18/06]. The rocks at the south end are nearly...
read more