Report Details

Despite the foggy, cold, and windy conditions, a zero tide offered a unique opportunity to observe the dynamic changes along the shoreline. The beach experienced constant sand shifting, with large amounts of churning sand in the tide and new layers covering tidepool rocks that were previously exposed. Access to the beach shows evidence of the rising sand levels of the usual entry path. Few visitors were exploring the tidepools, and those who did were bundled in jackets to protect against the chill and blowing sand that pelted their faces. There was some concern about graffiti observed on the nearby bluffs, highlighting a need for continued stewardship. In total, six pounds of litter were collected. The team found mostly abandoned children’s beach toys and clothing. Despite the challenges, it was still the place to be, offering a cool coastal escape as inland temperatures climbed into the 90s.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Strong. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 150. Number of dogs: 41. Walking or running: 110. Sitting: 150. Tidepooling: 23. Other Activities: The team noted people walking, running, playing in D River, throwing balls for dogs to chase, bike riding, families building sand structures, and five people flying kites.. This time of year prohibits vehicles on the beach. This makes the road leading to the beach more accessible to those who are unable to navigate the stairs.

Concerns

Apparent violations: People carted wood down to the beach that was left in a large plastic bag, unused. The team collected 6 pounds of litter. New carvings we noted on the bluffs south of D River..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Notable Wildlife

Seagulls, California Grown Squirrel, Cowbirds, Brewer's Blackbirds, and beach hoppers. Please note the photo that breaks down the species located in the tidepools. Side note: The team is identifying wildflowers along the mile. There were Seaside daisies and Sea Rocket located north of D River. We witnessed two young girls running, chasing a large flock of gulls along the D River.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 2. One unknown species and a species of gull. No leg bands noted.

Stranded Marine Mammals

N/A

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

N/A

Driftline Content

The wrack line was difficult to identify in many places due to shifting sand.

New Development

N/A

Man-made Modifications

N/A

Natural Changes

Sand had piled high on both entries of Mile 242.

Report Images

Sand north of D River.
Sand shifting patterns
Sandstone cliff observation point, south of D River.
Continued erosion of cliff, south of D River
Sea Rocket bloom
Family adding charcoal graffiti along the shoreline wall
Carved sandstone throne south of D River
New warning signs
Tidepool study area, 44.97608,-124.01815
Species identified in tidepool study area
Tidepool species at depth measure area
striped Dogwinkle

Report Images

Share this post

All Mile 242 Reports

Showing 8 of 39 reports

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

September 24, 2025

At low tide, breakfast at the coast offered a view of the natural world awakening.

Teachers Sally, Bobbie, Annette, Kaily, and Maureen

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

August 11, 2025

Over the weekend, a large number of visitors escaped the 100-degree valley heat and headed to the cool Oregon coast, where tidepooling proved especially popular.

Teachers Sally, Laurie, Bobby, Annette, and Maueen

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

July 11, 2025

Despite the foggy, cold, and windy conditions, a zero tide offered a unique opportunity to observe the dynamic changes along the shoreline.

Teachers Bobbie, Sally, Annette, and Maureen

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

June 28, 2025

Today’s coastal data collection was conducted under ideal early summer conditions, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and a steady marine breeze that kept the environment comfortable throughout the day.

Teachers Annette, Bobbie, Bill, Sally, Tracy, and Maureen

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

May 2, 2025

It was a cold, breezy day along the shoreline, with low foot traffic and only a few vehicles spotted on the beach.

Teachers Bobbie, Sally, Annette and Maureen

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

April 12, 2025

It was a breezy, sunny day on the coast with the early spring chill still in the air. In our last report, a team member uncovered something unexpected: a message in a bottle. As we finished our mile, we are reminded how much the ocean holds memories, messages, and meaning to the visitors.

Teachers Annette, Bill, Sally, Bobbie, Maureen and Emily, Sascha, and Joellen from Bedrock Theater

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

April 9, 2025

Two different violations: 1. 2.

Garretra

Mile 242

Lincoln City, D River SW, Devils Lake SP, Oceanlake

December 4, 2024

An unseasonably warm and sunny day along the Oregon Coast illuminated Lincoln City. Our team observed more people ignoring the signage to stay away from sensitive areas of erosion from the evidence of foot traffic and new graffiti on the sandstone cliffs.

Teachers Annette, Bill, Sally, Bobbie, and Maureen