Mile 259 - Nestucca Spit State Park, Kiwanda Beach - July 24, 2019

Report Details

From my perspective on horseback, the beach looked in great shape and was being used by visitors just like a beach should be on a nice summer day.

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 1.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 30. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 2. Playing in sand: 8. Sitting: 6. Other Activities: 14 on horseback (including me). Small groups (2-4) were just on the beach enjoying a great sunny day. Those on horseback (incluindg me) were one group from the local riding stable. It was a 1-hour "beginners" ride along the waterline and returning part of the way on the foredune. The company did not allow riders to take photos--not even with cell phones--for safety concerns. The route taken covered mile 259 almost exactly. I did not observe the parking lot for the State Beach.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 2.

Notable Wildlife

Just a few flying gulls and a lone flying vulture.

Driftline Content

There was no obvious driftline.

Actions & Comments

The beach and foredune looked in fine shape. Lots of loose sand; no evidence of rip currents; no litter observed. There are several guided horse rides every day in summer, and I and my family members were on the afternoon trip and did not see any horse manure--the company must do a good cleanup job after each ride. Being on a guided horse ride, I did not have a chance to roam around the very deep beach to look for dead birds or other wildlife, etc. Nor did I get a look at the Bob Straub State Park parking lot. But I did think this was a great opportunity to make this report!