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Oregon Coast

Cobble Beach

Cobble Beach, located at Yaquina Head in Newport, Oregon, is a striking coastal spot known for its unique, smooth, black cobblestones that make up the shoreline. The beach offers visitors a chance to explore tide pools teeming with marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and crabs. Just a short drive away, the Peter Iredale shipwreck in Fort Stevens State Park is a hauntingly beautiful landmark, where the skeletal remains of a four-masted steel barque that ran aground in 1906 are still visible, slowly being reclaimed by the sea. Further down the coast, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach stands as one of Oregon's most iconic natural features, rising 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline. This impressive monolith is home to diverse bird species, including puffins, and is surrounded by vibrant tide pools, making it a favorite destination for both nature enthusiasts and photographers.

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The Wreck of the Peter Iredale

The Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon is a haunting and fascinating sight that attracts visitors all year long. The rusting remains of this four-masted steel barque, which ran aground in 1906, create a striking scene against the shifting ocean backdrop. As the sea gradually reclaims the wreck, it stands as a powerful reminder of nature's force and unpredictability. This site is a favorite for photographers and history buffs, offering a unique glimpse into maritime history and a poignant connection to the past.

Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's most iconic landmarks, towering 235 feet above the shoreline. This impressive rock formation is not just a stunning visual feature but also an essential ecological site. During low tide, visitors can explore tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, and other marine life at its base. Birdwatchers are drawn to Haystack Rock for the chance to see tufted puffins and other seabirds that nest there. The combination of its majestic presence and rich biodiversity makes Haystack Rock a cherished destination for both locals and tourists on the Oregon coast.

Coastal Fauna

Things to See

Coastal Flora

Oregon's diverse landscapes provide a home to an incredible variety of plant life. From the majestic evergreens of the coastal forests to the vibrant wildflowers dotting the high desert plains, Oregon's flora captivates with its beauty and complexity. This paper embarks on a journey to explore the intricate relationships between Oregon's plants and their environments, delving into the fascinating adaptations and ecological roles that make them integral to the state's natural heritage.

Bull Kelp

Along Oregon's coastal waters, you'll find the Bull Kelp, a striking underwater plant with long, golden-brown fronds. It's like an underwater forest, swaying gently with the ocean's flow. This kelp isn't just pretty; it's a vital home and food source for lots of sea creatures, making the Oregon coast a richer and more diverse ecosystem.

Rhododendron

In Oregon's woodlands, you can't miss the Douglas Fir. It's a big tree with sharp green needles and pointy tops that reach high into the sky. These trees are like cozy homes for lots of animals, and they make Oregon's forests smell fresh and earthy. They're a symbol of the strength and beauty of the land here.

Trillium

In Oregon's forests and grassy areas, you'll find the Trillium, a pretty flower that covers the ground with its delicate petals. Its three white petals and green leaves stand out in the wild. These flowers aren't just nice to look at; they also provide food for bees and other creatures, making Oregon's nature even more lively and colorful.

The tufted puffin, with its striking orange beak and distinctive tufts of feathers, is a beloved seabird found along the Oregon coast, particularly around Haystack Rock. These charismatic birds are expert divers, catching small fish and squid to feed their young during the breeding season.

Tufted Puffin

Sea otters, once nearly extinct in the region, have made a remarkable comeback and are now a delightful sight along the Oregon coast. These playful marine mammals are known for their use of tools to open shellfish and their habit of floating on their backs while grooming or resting.

Sea Otter

Gray whales are another magnificent presence along the Oregon coast, especially visible during their migration periods in the spring and fall. These gentle giants travel thousands of miles between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and their breeding grounds in Mexico, often delighting onlookers with their impressive breaches and spouts.

Gray Whale

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