AREA CLOSED - CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

I arrived at Damon Point around 16:00 on Monday, January 27, 2025 to discover the access road above the Damon Point beach blocked by a large bucket loader and barricades stating that the area was closed.

I spoke with a man who was returning from the beach and was told, "Beyond the bucket loader newly dumped crushed rock had been deposited over the edge of the hillside and had also been spread along the top of the hill to the east leaving a berm on the ocean side of the site. This rock was irregularly shaped and roughly football sized. It presented some challenges navigating.

Observations -

There were two pit toilets behind the area closed barricades. Sanitary facilities are probably not going to be accessible at all. The RV park adjacent to the access road to the east has been posted, 'No Trespassing' by Quinault tribal authorities. I was told by a a local that the no trespassing signs, barricades and bucket loader had appeared earlier in the day. As I was leaving, two large excavators were being delivered by 'Lowboy' trailers.

I did some sightseeing in Ocean Shores and on returning home read,

"Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Officials are asking for full cooperation as the work continues.

Beginning today, the City of Ocean Shores will close public access to Damon Point as crews began stockpiling cobble in the parking lot near the easement. The closure is meant to ensure public safety during the critical operation. Officials are asking for full cooperation as the work continues. Get details at the City of Oceans Shores Facebook page."

Hope this helps the reader a bit....

01-28-25 UPDATE

I spoke with the City Administrator at Ocean Shores this afternoon and he provided a bit of context for the closure. (Please see new images, video and text below). More to follow as time allows.

"If you want a great long-term view of what’s happened, please find attached a timelapse video of erosion in Ocean Shores.

Likewise attached is a picture of Damon Point nearly completely underwater. People are increasingly getting stuck out on the island as the tides come in and it is gradually becoming a serious life/safety issue.

Finally, there is a picture of our current work on the berm. You can see how close the high tide waters are to the homes in question."

NOTE: The video is currently set to private so that officials in Ocean Shores can vet the recordings I did during yesterday's City Council meeting. I'll release it asap as it contains significant information on the area and plans for the future.

This hike gets shorter every year. Seriously, look the old photos in Google Earth. In 2000 you could drive to the tip, and even in 2020 the island was substantially larger than it is in 2025. At the rate the tombolo is eroding, it may not even be accessible in the near future. On the other hand, the old topo maps show it didn't even exist in 1957. That's what I like about coast hikes, they're always changing. Also there are signs out there closing off the tip of the island from March to September to protect streaked horned larks. Yesterday I was talking to a USFWS biologist and she told me no one has seen a streaked horned lark out there in years. The island has gotten too grown up with Scots broom and shore pine, the larks won't nest there anymore. But it's still a lovely walk, especially on a sunny winter's day with a brisk breeze.

storm watched out here, thought I might be able to get out at low tide but I did not attempt to leave the mainland. it looks like big waves could sweep across the whole spit. there was a bit of a channel forming between the mainland and the start of the spit. unsafe today I think

A 4 mile beach walk with agate collection goals. We found a couple of nice agates and some other interesting rocks and stuff. Saw seals, eagles, and a group of deer with 3 fawns. #hikeathon
A nice walk on the beach.

DOGS ONLY ALLOWED HALFWAY DOWN THE SPIT

Beautiful sandy beach to walk along, but be aware that leashed dogs are ONLY allowed to go part-way and may not go around the end of the spit. This was super disappointing as I hoped to find the agate beds but couldn't take my dog that far.