Benson Beach

Benson Beach extends for approximately two miles from the north jetty to the base of North Head within the Cape Disappointment State Park. A sandy beach that is part of the Columbia River littoral cell, Benson Beach was the site of increasing erosion due to the reduction of sand as a result of man-made changes to the Columbia River system.

A Science-Policy workshop organized by the Lower Columbia Solutions Group held in Ilwaco in July 2007 brought together scientists, technical specialists, stakeholders, and policy-makers representing both states, as well as federal jurisdictions. Consensus was reached that a Benson Beach nearshore project that involves sediment placement in the inner surf zone provides the best overall opportunity for a beneficial use project to meet the needs of Benson Beach.

In the late summer of 2010, on-shore and near-shore sediment placement commenced to help shore up Benson Beach.