Rock-climbing on Red Rock’s towering boulders is just as popular as ever. Several months ago, a three-by-three-foot chunk of rock tumbled onto the sand, but didn’t hurt anyone. A very short uphill climb north of Punta Bunga is BUNYAGAN BEACH, another secluded strip of white sand. Beyond it stand widely-spaced coconut trees and flatland, ideal for picnics. Climbing is not allowed anywhere on Haystack Rock, not only for the safety of the birds but for your safety as well! Federal and state law requires boats to remain at least 500 feet away and any aircraft (including gliders) must stay at a minimum of 2,000 ft.
There are several species of marine mammals which can be observed in the coastal area and out to sea. Triangular fins above the surface do not always mean a shark, so keep a close eye for groups of porpoises and whales which have distinctive dorsal fins. Sund Rock is one of my favorite shore dive locations in the Puget Sound area because of the structure and excellent abundance of marine life that always frequents this location. As this site is situated down the canal a ways, currents here are not intense and visibility can be outstanding (it can be terrible, too!). Till provides a foundation for the marine deposits, and is slowly being drowned on the landward side of the lagoon by salt marsh. The marsh exists at mean high water today and rises several millimeters per year in response to sea-level rise.
At low tides, it is an excellent spot to explore the tide pools, especially during the winter months. Extremely low tides make it is possible to get close to Bird Rock. But the tideline hides a fair amount of rocks embedded in the sand, which will do their little semi-rhythmic song when the sea water gets hold of them. They do so quietly and subtly here, however, and only in a few spots. Swimming is great in the estuary where you can jump in and float with the tide. You can drive to Coffs Harbour for fishing charters and whale watching tours and all its attractions and facilities.
So much so, the sand itself can be nearly nonexistent at higher tides, with the stones comprising the beach almost entirely. When those high tides hit these, the sound happens with regularity and sometimes-sizable volume. Rialto Beach starts at the mouth of the Quillayute River and extends 4 miles past sea stacks and tide pools. The winter months bring heavy storms which can be enjoyable to watch, as well as rewarding. When high tides and storm winds combine, waves sweep across the whole beach to the cliff bottoms, over the sea wall, and up into the gulch.
The day use area includes a disabled accessible boardwalk out to a classic sandy beach. No DOGS and NO FIRES are allowed on the beach as a measure to protect the snowy plovers. You have to walk along the sea wall to go further south, and the character of the beach sand changes. The south end of Crescent beach here is called Point-of-Rocks because of the unusual occurrence of large shelf-like limestone rock formations on the beach and in shallow water. Today, beach lovers all over the world visit this world-class beach resort for its white sand and panoramic landscape and seascape, bringing with them the memory of a lifetime - a relaxing private retreat in a tropical paradise.
