Mile 228 Report
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
October 15, 2017
Both Whale Cove and Rocky Creek were in good shape and quite free of debris.
Report Details
Both Whale Cove and Rocky Creek were in good shape and quite free of debris. The colony of 150+ seals were visible on the rocks at the southeast end of Whale Cove (see photo). Two whales were present in Whale Cove "sharking" (grazing on their side in a relatively shallow area so that one half of their tail is above water). Minor cliff erosion was present in Whale Cove (new since last report). Six people and two dogs were present at Rocky Creek.
Conditions
Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 5.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 4. Sitting: 2. All individuals and dogs were on Rocky Creek park, non were at Whale Cove.
Concerns
Apparent violations: none.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Notable Wildlife
Numerous gulls and crows. One eagle overhead at Rocky Creek.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 1. Enganglement: 1. Unknown, see photo.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).
Natural Changes
Minor erosion and exposed tree roots destined to fall in Whale Cove (see photos).
Report Images
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All Mile 228 Reports
Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Clear, warm, calm day with no adverse human behavior.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Excluding by sea, the entry to Whale Cove beach requires passage on private property and an easement provided by USFW, so it was unusual to find such a collection of beachgoers.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
All human activity was at the Rocky Creek wayside, not Whale Cove.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Both the Whale Cove beach and Rocky Creek wayside were in good condition as usual, however there were rubber surf boards and a downspout that were found both on the beach below the houses on the bluff and hung up among small vegetation on the cliff in between the houses and the beach.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Although not king tide level, high waves at high tide on Jan 18, 2018 reached all the way into the inner reaches of Whale Cove's sandy cliffs.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Coast Guard and Depoe Bay fire crews rescued a 19-year-old male hiker in the vicinity of Whale Cove, after he reportedly suffered seizures and became immobilized Tuesday evening.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
Both Whale Cove and Rocky Creek were in good shape and quite free of debris.
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Mile 228
Rocky Creek State Wayside, Whale Cove
There was a notable increase in driftwood and debris that had washed up onto the Whale Cove beach.
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