06/24/2022
Our first Fun Fact Feature Friday is about the coast! While our surfing trip will take place at Cape Lookout, southwest of Tillamook, along the drive you will pass by the “town that fell into the sea”, Bayocean. 🌊
The Bayocean Peninsula forms the outermost border of Tillamook Bay. At its peak, the town had 2,000 people, a natatorium, dance hall, pier, and more, built for glamor and fun. ✨
However, the entrance to Tillamook Bay was unprotected, so residents called for a jetty to calm the waters for travellers. The Army Corps of Engineers proposed a two-jetty system on each side of the entrance, but Bayocean residents didn’t want to pay $2.2 million for the two, so they voted to only install one. 🚢
The one-jetty system was built in 1917 and eventually led to Bayocean’s downfall, as waves quickly eroded the remaining beach. Within 10 years, the natatorium’s sand foundation was washed away. By the 50’s, the town had become an island and most structures fallen into the sea. 🏖
The last structure gave way in 1971, two years prior to the second jetty being built, allowing for some restoration of the beach. Today the only remains of Bayocean are a commemorative sign at the start of the d**e road and lessons learned. 🌅
