Mile 336 - Columbia Beach, Peter Iredale wreck, Fort Stevens SP - May 31, 2023

Report Details

Beautiful day at the beach although crowded even at a non-peak time. Evidence of fires still smoldering and some way to close to the dune grass was disturbing and it is only end of May. Evidence of reckless driving "donuts" seen and tire tracks into the restricted area (May 1 to Sept 15) of the beach. There was more trash on the beach south of the access road than in the restricted area to the north. I felt like there was more than normal amount of crab shells in the wreck line. There were hundreds of small clear or mostly clear jellyfish that washed ashore. At the far south end was a dead whale, possibly from the one that washed ashore back in January. Since this was my first mile report I will track erosion of the dune bluff in subsequence reports.

Conditions

Temperature: 54 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 5.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 25. Number of dogs: 8. Walking or running: 11. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 4. Photography: 10. Other Activities: Driving on beach.. Vehicle tracks seen on closed to driving portions of beach. This is a very popular location. Many people stay for short period of time to look at the ship wreck remains. I will purposely visit this beach mid week and early morning to avoid crowds in the summer months.

Concerns

Fire, Litter

Apparent violations: Evidence of fires in large stumps/logs. Fires left smoldering and not completely extinguished. Evidence of glass, aluminum cans, and plastic burnt in fires. Evidence of fires to close to vegetation (closest one only 10 ft from dunes). Evidence of reckless driving (donuts) on beach..

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 14. Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 4.

Notable Wildlife

1 crow, 3 gulls, 1 bald eagle, 4 barn swallows, and a small flock of shore birds (likely sanderlings) estimated to be about 100 birds.

Beached Birds

None found

Stranded Marine Mammals

None found

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Hundreds of small mostly clear jelly fish at shoreline ranging from penny size to small salad plate size. Lots of crab shells as well. Dead whale possibly from the one washed up in January? Located at south end of mile.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea).

New Development

Bluff development. Not a new development. This area of beach is known for the non native dune grass that causes dune bluffs. Wanted to make note and take photos to watch for changes.

Man-made Modifications

Debris cleared from beach access road and piled to the north of access. Also noted the 2 antennas located to the south of the parking lot in dune grass.

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune. Noted some erosion of dune bluff with small sections of dune/sand fallen down. Also noted some dune grass growth to the west/base of the dune bluff.

Actions & Comments

None.