Report Details

Mile 278 is part of Cape Lookout SP and no development is allowed. The beach is undisturbed and appears to be healthy and natural. Access is limited because of the 3-4 mile walk from the park entrance or by boat across Netarts Bay. Therefore, human activity is not apparent.Velella velella were washed ashore along the entire length of the mile up to an average of 2 feet wide at the drift line. They seemed fairly fresh, had little odor and were slippery when walked on.The other condition of note was ocean/ship debris. About six pieces of rope were buried in the sand along with an immeasurable amount of random plastic. Most of the plastic was small stuff less than 12" on a side and I filled two 32 gallon plastic bags before being overwhelmed by the task. There were also at least a dozen larger plastic pieces too big to move or gather. One piece in particular was a blue open-top storage bin of some sort, 4'x 6'x 3'. It was encrusted with barnacles and had no identifying markings on it.Otherwise, this is a deserted stretch of beach, with sand dunes and beach grass on the inland edge.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 6.3 feet.

Human Activities

Mile 278 is at the end of the Netarts spit and inaccessible without walking 3-4 miles north from Cape Lookout SP. I accessed it by boat across Netarts Bay. I encountered noone on the walk.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3. RVs/Buses parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Nothing biological of note. No unique birds, invertebrates or seaweed.

Beached Birds

No dead sea birds.

Stranded Marine Mammals

No stranded marine animals.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Dead Velella velellas stretched almost the entire mile. Averaging two feet wide at the driftline.

Driftline Content

Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Styrofoam.

Report Images

Report Images

Share this post

All Mile 278 Reports

Showing 7 of 7 reports

Mile 278

December 18, 2020

CharmerDale

Mile 278

August 25, 2018

Much sand covering beach, both tide driven and wind driven up to the base of hte dunes and covering 3-5' of base.

Andy G

Mile 278

May 5, 2018

Beach was remarkably free of litter or large man made debris such as pallets styrofoam, floats or rope.

Andy G

Mile 278

August 2, 2016

The beach is as pristine as I have ever seen it.

Andy G

Mile 278

April 7, 2016

Isolated section of beach with little sign of human influence other than litter.

Andy G

Mile 278

August 4, 2015

Mile 278 is stable and healthy.

Andy G

Mile 278

April 16, 2015

Mile 278 is part of Cape Lookout SP and no development is allowed.

Andy G