Oil
The third beach south of La Push (named “Third Beach” by some creative soul in the map business), was once the site of an exploratory oil well. In 1902, what became known as the La Push Oil Well was dug at the western end of the beach, near the headland. Drilling was halted by a collapse of the shaft at the 55-foot level and oil was never found. Apparently there are still some signs of the operation to be seen – various metal items, pieces of a rusty boiler – but I have never seen them.
Just off shore lie the stacks and arches of the Giant’s Graveyard, one of the most intriguing sections of the entire roadless coast. As much as I would like to check out the site of the old oil rig, I’m much more likely to be out among the giants instead.
About Ken Campbell
New Release
A story of sea kayaking and science on the rugged coast of Alaska. Coming – Spring 2014.
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