Mile 116 Report
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
January 11, 2020
Though Cape Arago was receiving possibly record number of visitors, no one was trying to surf or otherwise visit South Cove.
Report Details
Though Cape Arago was receiving possibly record number of visitors, no one was trying to surf or otherwise visit South Cove. The tidepools were completely submerged, numerous driftwood were tossed by the waves.
Conditions
Temperature: 46 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 8.9 feet.
Actions & Comments
I happened to be out in Empire yesterday and, like hundreds of other people, I decided to see what was happening at the "King Tide". It was vastly more visited than the lesser advertised King Tide that happened in December. I had an idea to go to Shore Acres and watch the waves, but I didn't want to join the zoo, so I went out to South Cove again. No walking on the actual beach at all, but it was interesting to see the tide pools completely submerged and the driftwood being tossed in the waves, rather than just stacked up on the beach. I did not go down to observe the very bottom of the access trail. (I got my "Floor Target" on my fitness app for walking back up the trail!) When leaving the area, I saw the most cars I have ever seen out there trying to get into the Parks area. The South Cove was not being visited while I was there.
This is the first time I've seen the tidepool area completely covered.
The driftwood ordinarily piled on the beach now floating in the high tide
This is the reason to be careful when walking over driftwood. It can end up resting in an unstable condition after being shifted by the high tide.
Most of the access trail is not impacted by a very high tide. I did not observe the very bottom, however.
I wonder what drew so many people to the Cape. It was more than the infrastructure could handle.
Report Images
alaingamerica
CoastWatcher
All Mile 116 Reports
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A lone California Sea Lion was surprised by me as I made my way to the Northern most tip of the cove.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I visited the cove on my own time, and I was struck by the wrack content. I also investigated what I consider an "unsanctioned" trail, or a "surfer trail".
Elaine
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I'm sorry, but life events prevented me from completing this report in a timely manner.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
The day before, there was a much lower tide and I thought everyone must have come that day, because I was the only one at the start, but more people kept coming as the day wore on.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
Was a beautiful Saturday at the Cove.
Elaine C
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A minus tide brought many visitors to South Cove, one group being led by Larry, a Oregon Shores board member.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
Two separate study groups were present, one measuring Gumboot Chitons and the surrounding algae and one studying sea urchins, ones living in pits versus ones not. I saw a couple families bringing their small children to South Cove, and a flock of pelicans.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water.
Elaine Cramer