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Alder patches
Rocky Shores
Seagulls on cliff top
ECOSYSTEMS > OREGON COAST > ROCKY SHORES

Rocky cliffs play a unique roll in the ecology of the Oregon Coast, providing a stratified series of habitats for a variety of plants and animals. At their base, where the rock meets the water, cliffs may provide haul-out areas for California sea lions or harbor seals. Invertebrates like ochre sea stars and California mussels may cling to these same surfaces, showing themselves only at low tide.

Higher up the cliff, beyond the reach of the waves and sheltered from the persistent wind, different species of sea birds may nest in crevices or on ledges.

At the top of the cliffs, the coastal forest may begin to encroach, dominated with large conifers which provide perches for predatory birds like eagles and falcons; and food and shelter for a variety of small mammals. Or, if conditions prevent the establishment of heavy vegetation, these cliff tops make become the periodic roosting areas for hundreds of migrating common murres and pigeon guillemots. 

Where Can I Get Great Views of Cliffs on the Oregon Coast?

Sea Lion Caves
​GPS Coordinates: 44.1217891, -124.1266613
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
​GPS Coordinates: 44.675568, -124.0769947
Oswald West State Park and Vicinity
​GPS Coordinates: 45.769811, -123.9590931

Representative Species for Oregon's Coastal Cliffs:

Common murre
Pigeon guillemot
Turkey vulture
Pacific rhododendron
Salal
Western gull
Pelagic cormorant
Sitka spruce
Western redcedar
Peregrine falcon
Tufted puffin
Western sword fern

​Suggested Activities for These Areas:

Art
Wildlife spotting
Photography and Video
Photography and Video
Whale Watching
Picture
Picture
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