Mile 168 - Central South Siuslaw Jetty Road - January 23, 2008

Report Details

First visit to Mile 168. Access from the Siuslaw River South Jetty Road, parking lot #3, and a short hike up and over the foredune. Dramatic seasonal sand erosion all along the base of the foredune on this mile, in places to a depth of 8 feet or more. In spite of the easy access, very little human impact was observed, other than the occasional plastic/styrofoam flotsam. Thanks to the winter sand erosion, the bow section of the 121' 3-masted logging schooner "Bella", blown ashore November, 1905, is visible at winter low tides. The hull timbers are in surprisingly good condition for a 103-year old ship wreck! It is located at the north end of Mile 168, fairly close to the foredune.

Conditions

Temperature: 32 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: E.

Human Activities

Number of people: 1. Walking or running: 1. Photography: 1. This section of the Oregon Dunes allows vehicular traffic on the beach. None observed, nor any evidence of recent use

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

gulls

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Seasonal erosion of upper beach, up to 8 feet for long stretches.

Actions & Comments

First visit to Mile 168. Access from the Siuslaw River South Jetty Road, parking lot #3, and a short hike up and over the foredune. Dramatic seasonal sand erosion all along the base of the foredune on this mile, in places to a depth of 8 feet or more. In spite of the easy access, very little human impact was observed, other than the occasional plastic/styrofoam flotsam.Thanks to the winter sand erosion, the bow section of the 121' 3-masted logging schooner "Bella", blown ashore November, 1905, is visible at winter low tides. The hull timbers are in surprisingly good condition for a 103-year old ship wreck! It is located at the north end of Mile 168, fairly close to the foredune.