North Cove
We recently planned a small family camping trip at Grayland State Park. When our kids were little we spend many a weekend in the area, enjoying the beach, wildlife, and surf.
Theresa and I arrived early and had a day to ourselves. I was wondering what would be a good activity to do when I remembered that years ago we had found been exploring some of the back roads in the area when we found half a house collapsed across a bluff into the surf zone. The rest of the house, refrigerator, toilet, and such, were scattered up and down the beach.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
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This bit of coast has the dubious recognition of losing the most landmass in our hemisphere than any other place.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
Saving a Legacy
The area once known as Cape Shoalwater on the Washington Coast, now properly known as North Cove, and nicknamed Washaway — is one of the fastest eroding places in our hemisphere. It loses an average of 150 feet a year. In a bad winter, it can be much more.
The phenomenon began in the late 1800s. North Cove was supposed to be a luxury destination for train travelers between Seattle and Portland. It was a town with brick buildings, a Coast Guard station, a clam cannery, and fine homes. The whole town fell into the ocean, one by one, and nothing could stop it.
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Theories vary as to why. The damming of the Columbia River at that time changed how sand moves around, or “sediment accretion” as the coastal geologists like to say, which is fancy talk for how all our sand is moving to Long Beach to the south of Washaway. There is also the possibility that the dredging of a ship channel by the Army Corps of Engineers, well into the 1970s, didn’t help matters. Or it could just be that this part of the state wants to stick out like a big nose. The ocean is a relentless plastic surgeon.
Homeowners, those that could afford it, have moved the homes to new lots. Most end up in the pacific. The historical cemetery was relocated across the highway. In 2018 a meeting between residents, and county/state officials was held to discuss what could be done to save the property.
Federal scientists and engineers have said that the cost of halting the erosion would be enormous — greater than the total value of the land and infrastructure in the area. And so Mother Nature continues to carve away at the shoreline.
During my trip down the beach, I found plenty of evidence of the loss incurred. Seems like there should be a message that all of us can learn from this but will we?
