Mile 161 Report
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
July 24, 2025
I monitor this location as a USFS Snowy Plover docent.
Report Details
I monitor this location as a USFS Snowy Plover docent. I was disheartened to see human and dog incursion into the seasonal fenced-off areas put into place to protect Plover nesting areas. Their nesting season runs from March 15 - Sept 15, after which the fencing is removed and the public has full access to the dry sand area. The Snowy Plover is endangered and many nests have been lost this season to predators and possible interference from humans and dogs. People are allowed on the wet sand during this season. Dogs are allowed north of Beach Access Number 110, but not south of the sign. This is an effort to provide access to all while providing a secure area for Plovers to have their young. Also found plenty of dog poo along dune trail over to beach.
Conditions
Temperature: 57 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: -1.0 feet.
Activities
Number of people: 43. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 37. Fishing: 5.
Other Activities: n/a. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on this section of beach, though they are allowed 1/2 mile north..
Concerns
People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas
Apparent violations: Many footprints inside fenced area set up to protect Snowy Plover nests. See photos.Notable Wildlife
5 pelicans flying over water line 5 Turkey Vultures sunning themselves on top of grassy dune 1 osprey hunting over waterline 1 gull 0 Snowy Plovers
Beached Birds
n/a
Stranded Marine Mammals
n/a
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
n/a
Wrackline Content
small jellies (or pieces of jellies)
New Development
n/a
Man-made Modifications
n/a
Natural Changes
Reduced amount of driftwood.
Report Images
Anna Yori
CoastWatcher
All Mile 161 Reports
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
We walked along the wrack line of mile 161 and tallied the living and the non-living things we saw. We estimated how many of the big groups of living and non-living things are on the mile, tallied the living and non-living things we saw, and we took a few samples.
Siuslaw Middle School Stream Team
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
What evidence of living or non-living things is found in the wrack line of mile 161? We went to the lowest rackline first, then, while going back, explored the top rackline. Then we explored the river’s mouth and went back to the starting point in the middle. We went the other way until we got to the big yellow sign that said 109A. We did the same thing here, we went to the lowest rack line, then the highest wrack line on the way back. In conclusion, the beach has many living things on the shoreline, and you should be careful of things there. We found lots of shells and other things to put on our posters. By Kaydence Gonzales, Olive Dougherty, Lillian Olson, Ella Gilkey, Myla Streck, Kinsey Boggs
Siuslaw Stream Team
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
We are the shoreline group of the first quarter 6th-grade Stream Team.
Siuslaw Stream Team
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
I was pleasantly surprised to spot many juvenile plovers near the water's edge and further up the shore, sitting in scrapes. I was dismayed to find long expanses of dead jellies. As always, the osprey were feeding and then watching me from their perch on an old fallen tree.
Anna Yori
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
I was happy to see less human encroachment this time into the protected, fenced-off areas designated for the endangered Snowy Plovers.
Anna Yori
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
I monitor this location as a USFS Snowy Plover docent.
Anna Yori
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
Many abiotic and biotic factors can be found along the shoreline of Siltcoos Outlet, Florence Oregon. Overall, we found many living and non living things along the wrack line of mile 161.
Siuslaw Stream Team
Mile 161
Oregon Dunes NRA just north of Siltcoos River
At least twenty-nine different species of marine mammals occur in Oregon coast waters. In conclusion, for all of the evidence and data we collected from walking on mile 161, we found the remains of living and dead creatures and many other human-created things.
Siuslaw Middle School Stream Team