Oregon Inlet

Located on the Outer Banks south of Whalebone Junction and the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Oregon Inlet and the Bonner Bridge mark the transition between the more developed northern section of the barrier islands and the narrow and remote areas further south.

Before the great storm of 1843, Hatteras Island was connected to the land to the north; however, during the storm a ship that had been coasting offshore was forced through a new large opening in the beach and found itself floating in Pamlico Sound the next morning. The ship was called the Oregon and gave the inlet its name.

The Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, established in 1938, is located just south of the inlet and protects the habitat of over 350 species of migratory birds. It was a windy day while I took the photo above. A storm was beginning to form over Bodie Island. No birds, lighthouses, or bridges in the composition, but plenty of clouds.