Arizona Beach State Recreation Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arizona Beach State Recreation Site |
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 Arizona Beach State Recreation Site
Location in Oregon
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| Location | Curry County, Oregon, United States |
| Area | 68 acres (28 ha) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Established | 2008 |
| Named for | Arizona Beach |
| Governing body | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
| Website | Arizona Beach State Recreation Site |
Arizona Beach State Recreation Site is a special place in Oregon. It is a state park that covers about 68 acres. You can find it in Curry County, right on the Pacific Ocean. The beach is only about 7 feet above sea level.
This park is a great spot for outdoor fun. You can park your car and easily get to the beach. There are also special areas to watch amazing marine mammals and birds. Plus, you can enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The park welcomes visitors all year long!
History of Arizona Beach
Arizona Beach was once private land. It even had a campground. In 2008, the state of Oregon bought the land. This made it a public park. The old campground was removed because it didn't meet state rules.
The beach got its name because it often feels warmer here. This is unusual for the Oregon coast! The area around Arizona Beach is very rugged. There are not many sandy beaches where you can easily reach the Pacific Ocean.
Why is it warm?
Tall headlands protect the park. They block the cool winds from the Northwest Pacific. This helps keep the temperatures higher than in other nearby areas. Two creeks, Mussel and Myrtle, flow through the park. They both empty into the ocean.
Amazing Wildlife
Arizona Beach State Recreation Site is home to many different animals. You might see elk roaming around. The sky is often filled with birds like peregrine falcons and brown pelicans. You can also spot pigeon guillemots and pelagic cormorants.
Offshore Islands
The rocks just off the coast are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. These rocks are very important. Thirteen different kinds of seabirds build their nests here. Some of these birds include pigeon guillemots and tufted puffins. You might also see common murres and rhinoceros auklets.
Other birds nesting on the rocks are Brandt's, pelagic, and double-crested cormorants. Tiny Leach's and fork-tailed storm petrels also live here.
Marine Mammals
These offshore rocks are also a safe home for many marine mammals. You can find harbor and northern elephant seals. California and Steller sea lions also use the rocks to rest. Remember, people are not allowed to go onto these rocks. This helps keep the wildlife safe.
