| Seal Rock State Recreation Site has large off-shore rock formations which are the habitat of seals, sea lions, sea birds and other marine life. The wayside includes interesting tide pools as well as excellent ocean views and a sandy beach. Developed for day-use, the picnic area is in a pleasant stand of shore pine, and spruce. Seal Rock is composed of a large basalt rock formation with many smaller associated rocks that creat a sandstone bluff along the shore. The area is protected from the open ocean by Seal Rock and other offshore rocks. There are many diverse wildlife communities because of the mix of substrate types and wave exposure regimes. The limited seabird nesting and some birds roosting on offshore rocks by brown pelicans make for some unique bird watching. Rocks throughout the site are used as haul out sites for harbor seals while sea lions haul out on offshore rocks. The main use of this area comes from the general public for recreational sightseeing, beachcombing, tide-pooling, bird-watching, clamming, and rock fishing. One of the best sites on the open coast for littleneck clams. School field trips are occasionally organized around this area as well. There are concerns with the overuse of inter tidal area, especially trampling in very accessible spots; effects from turning over rocks during clam harvest, some disturbance to seabirds and mammals from rock climbers. The goal of this area is to protect variety of habitat values of the site while accommodating public access and use. |
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