2024 Map of Clatsop Spit

About this map

The coastal frontier where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean is defined by the shifting sands of Clatsop Spit. This 2024 map documents a dynamic shoreline shaped by the maritime forces of the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the specialized geography of the river's mouth. Near the northern tip, Jetty Rd provides access to the coastal edge near the Lower Desdemona Shoal, a critical navigational hazard for vessels entering the river. The inland area is largely dominated by the Oregon Islands Wilderness, preserving the natural state of this salt-sprayed landscape. Features like Social Security Beach and the navigational markers of the Entrance Range highlight the intersection of recreation and maritime safety in a region historically vital to the trade of Clatsop County.