A grayish layer on top of it was 1700 — fine sand washed in by the tsunami right after the earthquake. On top of that was gray silt, evidence that the quake had caused the land to drop down ...

The Oregon coast is undeniably alluring. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and outcroppings. Waterfalls, water spouts, sand dunes. Puffins, pelicans, cormorants. Elk and whales. In a state defined by access ...