Monday November 14, 2022
Oregon Coast Beach Connection —
Two small stretches of the Washington coast and north Oregon coast have something curious in common that also sets them apart from the rest of the region. A larger-than-usual population of diatoms makes for the oddball phenomena of brown waves and an enormous density of razor clams – as well as lots of whole sand dollars (at least in one area). (Photo of Long Beach brown waves Oregon Coast Beach Connection)
The Long Beach Peninsula, on the southern Washington coast, and Clatsop Beach, at the tip of the Oregon coast, both flank the Columbia River. It, in turn, dumps an incredible amount of nutrients into surrounding areas creating a slightly different ecosystem than the rest of the Oregon coast and Washington coastline.
For one area – right around the Necanicum River in Seaside – it’s meant a lot of whole sand dollars, likely more than you can find anywhere else. If that same situation exists on the Washington side along the peninsula isn’t clear, but experts say it’s worth a look.