Mile 259 - Nestucca Spit State Park, Kiwanda Beach - October 30, 2018

Report Details

The beach was not as busy as I thought it would be on a pleasant Fall weekend--only 6 people on the beach. But, although it was sunny just off the beach, the fog over the beach itself may have cut down on beach activity. My biggest surprise was a noticeable buidup of sand since my last visit, which was, admittedly, several years ago. No interesting photos to post--too foggy.2

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 4.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 4. Other Activities: 2 driving (way too fast); horse tracks were visible (quite a usual sight on this stretch of beach).. The SUV was driving too fast--especially considering the fog.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 6. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Nothing unusual: 2 small flocks of sanderlings at water's edge, 1 western gull.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. juvenile common murre

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces. Driftline was hardly noticeable.

Man-made Modifications

No modifications noted; most of the mile is within Bob Straub State Park.

Natural Changes

I had not been on the beach for some time. Since my last visit several years back, there has been quite a lot of sand buildup and also a number of what appear to be rip current swales cutting into the main beach line. It was difficult walking on the upper part of the beach because of soft sand.

Actions & Comments

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