Brookings Oregon Revisited

Because the weather was chilly and damp last year when we went, we knew Brookings Oregon needed to be revisited. Fortunately the weather was very cooperative this year.

The ride to Brookings from Crescent City revealed lots of interesting boutiques and beautiful scenery.

I had read that Harris Beach State Park was part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, so that’s where we made our first stop. Our return visit was rewarded with early Spring weather warm enough for a walk on the beach. And it looked like quite a few other people had the same thing in mind. It was fun to chat with other folks visiting the area from all parts of the world.

The Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects 1,853 rocky islands and three headlands along the 320 miles of coastline. As you know, the ocean is vast. The islands along the coast are small and bustling with life. On those rocky islands seals and sea lions bark, sunbathe and take naps. Intertidal animals cling to wave-washed cliffs. Geologic forces created these sanctuaries and the Pacific Ocean sustains their marine life.

I was in awe when I learned the the Oregon Islands Wilderness includes all the refuge islands, which adds up to 372 acres of vital habitat. Almost the entire population of Oregon’s nesting seabirds rely on the refuge. That number of seabirds can exceed a million!

It became clear to us that people need to respect the signs. If beachgoers illegally climb those rocky islands, the birds will fly away using up energy. They leave their eggs or chicks exposed to danger. Please help save the seabirds lives and DO NOT climb the islands or sea stacks!!!

Those sea stacks (islands) ring with the mating calls of nesting seabirds. Some birds dig their nests in burrows, while others crowd the top or cling to the cliff ledges. The wild and abundant southern Oregon coastal islands, like the ones we saw in Brookings, support 55% of the state’s breeding seabirds – an astounding half million or more.

Frequent tide pools form along the shore. This is another area to observe proper etiquette. The tidal pools are home sweet home to a variety of sea life. It’s important to be respectful and never take a sea creature away with you. Nor should you flip it over or jab it. Please keep them safe.

Be kind to the anemones, limpets, sea stars and all of the marine life in this rich intertidal zone. Each creature thrives in its chosen place. Remember that every turban shell that you leave where it lies, is one more home for a hermit crab,

Before heading back to Ladybug, we made a brief stop at Azalea Park in Brookings. It was pretty late in the day and, unfortunately, the park was already closed for the day. At least we got to enjoy the gorgeous Azalea bush at the entrance that was in full bloom, showing off for us in all of its vibrant red glory.

On our way back to Crescent City CA we couldn’t help but remark just how glad we were that we revisited Brookings Oregon to enjoy more of its astonishing beauty,