What is it?

Did you find something on your beach walk but don't know what it is?

These photos and quick facts may help. Click on the photos below to learn about the many creatures and curiosities found along our shores.

Our FAQ page also has answers about tsunami debris, shellfish harvesting, seal pups on the beach, and other commonly asked questions people have while at the coast.

Happy beachcombing!

Beach ball made of vegetation

Beach Balls

A line of fluffy sea foam sits along the waterline at the beach on a sunny day.

Sea Foam

A group of harbor seals with white and black speckled fur rest on a rock out cropping that is covered in seaweed.

Sea Lions and Seals

Close-up view of a velella velella, or by-the-wind sailor, jellyfish. In the background are dozens of Velella velella along the waterline of the beach. The top part of their bodies stand up and look like a light blue sail.

Jellyfish

fossils

Fossils

Wet, colorful rocks on the rocky shores of Oregon.

Agates

A large cluster of sea palm sea weed is rooted to barnacle covered rocks. Waves roll over the sea palms.

Bull Kelp and Sea Palm

A pile of cellophane tube worm casings laying on the sand. The casings are translucent and resemble short plastic straws.

Cellophane Tube Worms

False Brain Coral

False Brain Coral

A cluster of hydroid fronds lay on the beach. The cluster resembles a fluffy feather duster.

Hydroid

Mudstone with Piddocks

Mudstone with Piddocks

idy pieces of plastic pollution lay on the beach along the tide line.

Microplastics
 

A piece of rock scallop shell lays on the beach.

Rock Scallop

A skate’s egg sack lays on a sandy beach. The skate’s leathery egg case is roughly oblong shaped, approximately 10 inches in length and has a greenish metallic sheen.

Skate Egg Cases