If you’re anywhere near Ocean Shores, I definitely recommend this one. The trail through the dunes is interesting. Lots of game trails make me curious about the wildlife situation.
We worked our way to the end of the river then down to the beach. Not crowded at all. I really wish we didn’t leave lunch back at the car. It was so warm, we could have stayed at the beach all day.
Now that I’m back home, time to do a little CSI research. Lots of dead crabs on Grayland and Copalis beaches. Why so many?
Trip Report
Griffiths-Priday State Park - Copalis River Spit — Sunday, Apr. 17, 2022
Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road suitable for all vehiclesBugs
No bugsSnow
Snow free
Comments
Birb on Griffiths-Priday State Park - Copalis River Spit
They’re probably not actually dead! You’re probably seeing crab molts. When crabs grow they shed not just the shell but the legs, eye stalks.. everything! And they tend to do it all at once at the same times of year. The first time I ever saw it I also had the same thought you did. It’s wild to see that many molts at once!
This link explains the molt process better: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/science-data/alaska-shellfish-growth-research
Posted by:
Birb on Apr 18, 2022 07:41 AM
hikingwithlittledogs on Griffiths-Priday State Park - Copalis River Spit
Thanks for the link. I guess I never really thought through the molting process. It’s amazing that they just walk out of their old shell! Amazing!
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Apr 18, 2022 06:41 PM