Ship Wreck

	Caution: Access to the wooden shipwreck and the remains of the New Carissa may be limited due to protection rules for the Snowy Plover and construction work being done to remove the rusting hulk of the New Carissa. If you going to be visiting our area for the purposes of viewing the remnants of the old wooden ship and/or the New Carissa, located on the North Spit, here are the directions along with flag & vehicle tag requirements. To enter into the area you will need a flag which when mounted to your vehicle or mounted or held out the window must be a minimum of 9’ off the ground. You will also need an Off Road ATV Tag on your vehicle which can be purchased along with your flag at most ATV or MC Shops, the prices of which vary between $13 and $18 for a flag and the Off Road Vehicle Tag fee is $10.50 which is valid for two years from the date of issue.

The location of the ship and the New Carissa is off of Highway 101 north of the McCullough Bridge. Near Milepost 233 on Highway 101, just north of the City of North Bend turn onto Transpacific Road. When the road forks continue west on Transpacific Road (don’t turn north towards Horsfall Beach unless you want to see that too) approximately four miles. On the left side of the road you will see the BLM Boat Ramp (this facility is equipped with public telephones and restrooms ) and approximately two blocks on the right is a gravel and sand parking lot which is the entrance to the sand road that will take you out to those areas.
	Only street legal vehicles are permitted on the beach in designated areas. ATVs are allowed on the bay side and sand roads only. Roads are also used by pedestrians and horses, so stay alert and be aware of other traffic
The mystery ship is deteriorating rapidly without the sand which had encased it for who knows how many years. It is a delicate reminder of our past. Please treat it with respect. Refrain from climbing on it or worse, taking souvenirs. The hulk lies on Bureau of Land Management property. It is illegal to disturb antiquities on Federal Land.
	The rudderless ship is once again, at the mercy of the sea. As the winter winds shift in the direction they are coming from, they will push the sand around what remains of the mystery ship. Soon it will be entombed for who knows haw many years to come.
What are the mysterious holes in the side of the ship. Some say they are merely portholes. The more imaginative visitors tend to see them as firing points for cannons. What do you think her history is? The World Newspaper has been printing information as it becomes available. http://www.theworldlink.com/ email: news@theworldlink.com It is hoped the ship can be identified before the sea buries her again.
We hope you enjoy your visit, however, please remember to keep dogs under control and out of posted wildlife areas, pack out your trash…And, remember, never turn your back on the ocean!	Photos by Hailey Paige Hilding