Oregon's Oldest Coast

[AlanLichty]

Most of Oregon's coastline is relatively young from a geological perspective with either uplifted marine deposits or intrusive basalts. The southern part of this coast is what geologists call an accreted formation that was once an island that literally bumped into what is now southern Oregon and northern California. This landform extends inland to include the Klamath mountains and is considerably older than the coast north of the Bandon area.

This sea stack is part of that accreted coastline in Harris Beach State Park near Brookings. There is a trail leading down from the campground in the park and is a spot I used to visit every day whenever I was staying in the park. Taken on a sunny afternoon during a January visit a number of years ago.

C&C always welcome.

 

[Trent Watts]

Thanks for this Alan. Interesting history lesson.

 

[AlanLichty]

Thanks for this Alan. Interesting history lesson.

Thanks Trent - most of the stones and sea stacks on this part of the coast are quite different rock types than what you encounter along the rest of the Oregon coast.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

I know the rock but the history lesson is interesting. Nice image, btw.

 

[AlanLichty]

I know the rock but the history lesson is interesting. Nice image, btw.

Thanks Jameel - I have always been fascinated by the geology of the Oregon coastline and the area south of Bandon is quite distinct from what you see as you head north along US101. The rocks and cliffs just above the Pacific both here in Brookings and heading up towards Bandon led me to grab several different geology books so I could better grasp the differences. It's been a fun intellectual journey that kept me entertained on rainy days in the coastal campgrounds.

 

[JimFox]

I enjoyed the lesson and the photo Alan!

 

[AlanLichty]

I enjoyed the lesson and the photo Alan!

Thanks Jim - I like knowing how the landscapes I shoot were formed.

 

[Michael Liskay]

Alan -- Been to much of the Oregon Coast but missed this scene!! Thanks of sharing and taking us there!

 

[AlanLichty]

Alan -- Been to much of the Oregon Coast but missed this scene!! Thanks of sharing and taking us there!

Thanks Michael - I have lost count of how many times I have driven up and down US101 between Astoria and the CA border but this area around Brookings and up to Bandon is far and away my favorite part.