We invite you to a guided walk featuring the oceanography and geology of Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area near Depoe Bay on Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Photo by Fran Recht

Are you curious about how the rocks, cliffs, and beaches along our coast formed? Join this field outing and learn how major geologic and oceanographic forces shape the Oregon coast.  Discover how coastal currents have impacted the shoreline,  explore the impact of wave dynamics on beaches, and consider the effect of beach stabilization efforts. Learn what is being done to protect rocky habitat and how you can be a site steward for the intertidal zone, which is a designated Marine Conservation Area for this location. 

The field trip will begin at Depoe Bay Community Center, 220 SE Bay Street, Depoe Bay, where there will be a presentation and discussion on coastal oceanography and geology. We will then caravan three miles to Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area North Entrance. As we walk along the beach, the trip leader will reveal how ocean and geological forces shape the shoreline.

Trip leader Ed Joyce lives in Astoria and has a Ph.D. in Oceanography and a B.S. in Geology.  His research interests include paleoclimatic studies of the world oceans and nearshore sedimentary processes. Ed has fifteen years of college teaching experience. He currently teaches geology and oceanography part-time at Clatsop Community College, serves on the Marine Advisory Board of the North Coast Land Conservancy, and is a lecturing docent at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Dress for the weather; we go rain or shine. Bring a lunch, snacks, water, and binoculars (optional). We will be walking on sand and cobbles. No dogs permitted.

This field trip is free, but registration is required. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department requires an annual or day use  parking permit . Day-use permits ($10 Oregon residents, $12 non-residents) are available on site.