This Google map overlay shows the erosion that's taken place in recent years, with many streets and homes now vanished under the waves.
This EarthCache has been placed with permission and a Washington State Parks permit. An EarthCache is not a traditional cache -- its purpose is to help geocachers learn some basic geology of an area. To log this cache, you will NOT be looking for a typical geocache container (in fact, there IS no container to find). Rather, in order to log this EarthCache, you'll need to send your answers to the questions at the end of this description by clicking my name, mtribe, just underneath the title of the EarthCache and selecting "send email". Please don't post your answers in your cache log -- spoiler information will be deleted!
Officially known as North Cove, the nickname Washaway Beach has come to symbolize one of the fastest-eroding places in North America. The ocean here has methodically eaten away about 100 feet of land each year, destroyed more than 100 homes, a lighthouse, a life-saving station, a clam cannery, a school and a Grange Hall since the late 1800's. In 1977 the pioneer cemetery was moved across State Route 105, which also had to be relocated due to the erosion.
There are many theories as to why this area is so susceptible to erosion. Winter storms are a main cause, but there are signs of other reasons for such dramatic destruction once you visit this location for yourself. Park at the provided waypoint at the public access point at the end of Warrenton Cannery Road and proceed southeast down the beach to the posted coordinates.
From a safe distance, observe the area and then provide answers to the questions below in order to claim a find for this Earthcache by email or the geocaching message center, spoiler logs will be deleted!
- Estimate the height of the bluffs in front of you at the coordinates and describe why you think the land here is so susceptible to erosion
- What is your theory on what factors might affect the rate of erosion here??
- What direction does the eroded sand appear to be moving at the time of year you visited, and why do you think it is moving in that direction?
Although it's not required, feel free to post non-spoiler photos of your visit to Washaway Beach. Please respect private property and maintain a safe distance from abandoned structures.