Mile 164 Report

February 4, 2009
by gaylemont

Location:
Lane
Oregon Dunes NRA, W of Woahink Lake, Goose Pasture S
Conditions:
Wednesday
Sunny
60° F
Wind:
Calm/Light from the E
Humans / Pets:
People:
20
Dogs:
1
Activities:
Walking / Running:
3
Rockhunting:
1
OHV - 16
Concerns:
Disturbances:
Vehicles:
Cars/Trucks parking:
6
ATVs/OHVs parking:
12
Cars/Trucks on beach, allowed:
2
ATVs/OHVs on beach, allowed:
12
Cars/Trucks on beach, prohibited:
0
ATVs/OHVs on beach, prohibited:
0
Activity Comments:
Notable Wildlife:
Several hundred sandpipers, three seagulls, one small jellyfish. No mammals, invertebrates or seaweed.
Dead Birds:
Total:
0
Signs of oil:
0
Entanglement:
0
Stranded:
Total:
0
Fish & Invertebrates:
Driftline:
Shells·Small rocks
More driftwood than usual.
New Development:
Modifications:
Natural Changes:
Erosion of vegetated foredune
Comments:
This stretch of beach permits off-road vehicles for approximately five miles between North Jetty Road south almost to the Siltcoos parking lot. There are many spots where permanent tracks are left in the vegetation on the foredunes.
Summary:
Mile 164 and the adjacent miles are extremely clean. I saw no evidence of any human trash whatsoever. I suspect the rental firms are policing the area.As usual, there are few animals other than sandpipers, who seem to be oblivious to the noise from the ATVs and other vehicles. There was one small group picnicking south of the vehicle area with a small fire. Vehicle traffic is very light compared to summer.
  • South end of mile 164
    February 4, 2009
  • sandpipers are the only abundant wildlife observed
    sandpipers are the only abundant wildlife observed
    South end of mile 164
    February 4, 2009
  • This is typical of the tracks left in the winter. Summer use makes more roadlike conditions.
    This is typical of the tracks left in the winter. Summer use makes more roadlike conditions.
    middle of Mile 164
    February 4, 2009
  • Typical winter OHV traffic.
    Typical winter OHV traffic.
    Middle of Mile 164
    February 4, 2009
Other Mile 164 Reports (2)

2008

February 11, 2008 - gaylemont
The most striking thing to me was the absolute absence of birds or mammals. Once the OHV trash collectors left, there was no sound except the ocean, and I felt totally alone. Not a bad feeling, at...
read more
  • They were collecting trash from Miles 163 and 164, which may have been why the beach looked extremely clean.
  • Looking south from north end of Mile 164 at low tide
  • Typical beach scene of Mile 164

2007

August 6, 2007 - gaylemont
I walked Mile 164 between 10 a.m. and noon on August 6, 2007,It was overcast and fairly foggy. I covered the area from North Jetty Road Parking Area 1 (the beginning of OHV area) south almost to...
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  • Group of OHVs traveling southbound along Miles 164 and 165.
  • This was shot what I believe to be Mile 165, but is typical of the OHV traffic along miles 163, 164 and 165. Noise and OHV operators driving close to walkers is a constant problem.
  • Vultures were feeding on the badly deteriorated carcass of a seal or small sea lion north of Mile 164.