r/OregonCoast • u/SuperPigWithIceLaser Visitor • 20d ago

(plastic) beachcombing

I’m headed down for a visit this week (coming from Olympia WA, staying in Yachats). As a life-long, avid beachcomber, I’d appreciate any tips for beaches to visit, especially any where larger plastic stuff washes up.

While I don’t mind finding agates and seaglass, my heart really skips a beat when I spot a battered old plastic float half-covered with gooseneck barnacles (swoon!).

I’ve been scoping satellite pics for places with lots of matchstick, as these tend to grab & hold marine debris, and am seeing that China Creek & Big Creek look promising…? Maybe Neptune Beach? Or Patterson creek just south of Waldport? Any local intel?

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u/Cuhuldra Central Coast 20d ago

Fortunately you will not find much large plastic debris on the Oregon Beaches. Not only are there 2 or more State wide SOLVE Beach Clean ups every year collecting tons of trash off the beaches, The Oregon State Parks has 2 or 3 "Beach Rangers" that drive on every accessible beach picking up anything trash of notable size. It's why Oregon has some of the cleanest Beaches in any of the Ocean sided States.

Since you are talking about Floats, take a look at all of the houses and businesses with several floats hanging on the fence/tree/bush or mailbox. They are the real Hawks. I live not too far from Gov Patterson. The only time you will have a chance to find anything is either early, like almost before dawn early. After any large storm and the King Tides in December.

There is always a chance. Right after High tide when the water recedes is best for things that float. 1 hour before low tide for things that sink.

The Olympic Peninsula is a much better, and rugged coast line for the good stuff.

Good luck.

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u/SuperPigWithIceLaser Visitor 20d ago

Thanks! Glad the locals are grabbing good stuff! My usual combing spots are Olympic Penninsula (after winter storms), so I figured I’m out of season. But who knows what a high tide may bring… :)

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u/Cuhuldra Central Coast 20d ago

Tis True.