Mile 254 Report
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
July 6, 2025
I chose to do a survey today so that I could combine beach observations with checking on beach fires and picking up debris after the recent holiday. The dunes north of the rip rap were over washed in places, leaving very short dunes of 3 - 5 feet. About one year ago, I reported two crude stairways built into the dunes. Two men on motorized bikes zoomed off when I approached but later they parked the bikes at a beach access where I was able to talk with them explaining why motorized vehicles are not allowed on this beach.
Report Details
I chose to do a survey today so that I could combine beach observations with checking on beach fires and picking up debris after the recent holiday. I was pleasantly surprised at how little litter there was and all fires had been extinguished. The dunes north of the rip rap were over washed in places, leaving very short dunes of 3 - 5 feet. Much vegetation had washed away but I did notice that the 'sea rocket' plant has colonized in front of the dunes. About one year ago, I reported two crude stairways built into the dunes. The stairs have been torn apart presumably by waves action. In both places, people are using those spaces as foot paths. Consequently there is evidence of erosion. Two men on motorized bikes zoomed off when I approached but later they parked the bikes at a beach access where I was able to talk with them explaining why motorized vehicles are not allowed on this beach. They were surprised but agreeable.
Conditions
Temperature: 64 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 5.1 feet.
Activities
Number of people: 32. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 22. Sitting: 10.
Concerns
People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas
Apparent violations: Two men on motorized bikes zoomed off as I approached them. However, later they had parked their bikes at a beach entrance and I was able to thank them for parking their bikes while informing them that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach. I explained why and they were surprised but agreeable..Wrackline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings or molts.
Man-made Modifications
Dune modification/removal. It has been almost 1 year since I reported two crudely built stairways into and up the dunes. In both cases, there is now a foot trail up the dunes. Consequently the dunes have eroded where the stairs were located.
Natural Changes
Erosion of vegetated foredune, Evidence of wave overtopping. The dunes mid mile are significantly lower and appear to have been overtopped.
Erosion which occurred after stairs (now scattered to the side) were built into the dunes one year ago.
Report Images
Heidi Heidenreich
CoastWatcher
All Mile 254 Reports
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
I chose to do a survey today so that I could combine beach observations with checking on beach fires and picking up debris after the recent holiday. The dunes north of the rip rap were over washed in places, leaving very short dunes of 3 - 5 feet. About one year ago, I reported two crude stairways built into the dunes. Two men on motorized bikes zoomed off when I approached but later they parked the bikes at a beach access where I was able to talk with them explaining why motorized vehicles are not allowed on this beach.
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
It was a beautiful day with many people walking, sitting and playing on the beach. Where the significant erosion of dunes occurred last March, two sets of stairs have been built into and down the face of the dunes. I have pictures of both ladders.
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
There has been additional erosion since I reported the significant loss of dunes and trees in March.
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
The north 1/2 mile of 254 was recently eroded to the point that I did not recognize it.
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
see previous box for the most salient observations!
Heidi Heidenreich
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
One cannot help but notice the 120+ large clumps on entangled kelp all along mile 254.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
The north half mile of 254 (after the end of the rip rap )has experienced serious erosion.
heidenreichh
Mile 254
Kiwanda Beach, Neskowin Crest
There is a marked difference between the 1/4 mile of rip rapped beach with its gentle slope and 2' shelf of sand blown against the rocks AND the north 3/4 mile where the dunes are receeding and are eroding in height.
heidenreichh