Mile 180 Report
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
February 22, 2025
I'm always happy to see healthy looking eagles on the beach. A few people and I took pictures from about 100 feet away without scaring them. There were new places along the dune where small sections were sliding down to the beach located 300 feet north of the Hobbit Trail and one slide 200 feet north of Heceta Headland. The waves were about 3-6 feet high. One person picked up a rock.
Report Details
I'm always happy to see healthy looking eagles on the beach. They were on the sand for about 10 minutes, then flying, then on a nearby tree. A few people and I took pictures from about 100 feet away without scaring them. We moved on, they stayed put. There were new places along the dune where small sections were sliding down to the beach located 300 feet north of the Hobbit Trail and one slide 200 feet north of Heceta Headland. The waves were about 3-6 feet high. The ocean seemed to have regained its blue color near shore perhaps because of no rain storms and light winds recently. One person picked up a rock. Rock hunting is illegal at Carl Washburne State Park. I've never seen the rule enforced before. If they had a bucket, or a wagon full I think I would probably say something.
Conditions
Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 2.1 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 5. A pair of Bald Eagles were on the beach today. People gave them a wide margin while walking past them.
Concerns
Apparent violations: Agate collecting.
Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs
Notable Wildlife
Seven seagulls, two bald eagles, five ravens.
Driftline Content
Feathers, green foam.
New Development
none
Man-made Modifications
none
Natural Changes
Sand returning after storms and king tides.
Path marker for Carl Washburne Park mile 181
Fresh water seeps at mile 181.
Blowout Creek mile 181
Recent dune erosion at mile 180.
Hobbit Trail entrance. mile 180
Bald Eagle at mile 181
Report Images
Gordon Pollock
CoastWatcher
All Mile 180 Reports
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
When I arrived at 10:30 am,there were 5 cars, 8 people and one dog south, 3 people and 5 dogs north. **As a side note,on November 28, 2024, there was a dead sea lion south of the entrance about 300 yards.
Crystal Roy
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
I'm always happy to see healthy looking eagles on the beach. A few people and I took pictures from about 100 feet away without scaring them. There were new places along the dune where small sections were sliding down to the beach located 300 feet north of the Hobbit Trail and one slide 200 feet north of Heceta Headland. The waves were about 3-6 feet high. One person picked up a rock.
Gordon Pollock
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
Sneaker waves were predicted and the sand showed recent signs of recent flooding. There were lots of Velvella jellyfish on the beach and most of these appeared dried out. I saw cracks and unstable areas of sand in the dunes and bluffs south of the Hobbit Beach trail entrance on the shore. I counted 11 people and two dogs on mile 180 during my visit.
Gordon Pollock
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
High tides are sweeping sand away.
lectricriderone
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
The sand at Hobbit Beach was populated with 5 people.
lectricriderone
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
Steam was visible on the beach as cool temperatures and sunshine combined together.
lectricriderone
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
Mile 180 usually has some recent erosion of the dunes and bluffs because of the steep terrain and unstable cliffs of sand.
lectricriderone
Mile 180
South Carl G. Washburne SP, Hobbit Trail, Heceta Head
Natural evolution has changed the appearance of the sand cliffs just south of Hobbit Beach.
lectricriderone