Located in Charlestown, RI (see map), East Beach separates Ninigret Pond from the Atlantic Ocean and forms the southern edge of Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. East Beach is a barrier beach spit extending easterly from Quonochontaug Neck to the Charlestown Breach. It is one of the least developed and visited beaches in Rhode Island. The upper portion of the East Beach 2 survey site has eroded >60 ft since surveying began in 1976.
Hurricane Sandy & East Beach 2
Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012 caused widespread beach and dune erosion along the eastern end of East Beach including at this survey site. Over 20 feet of dune erosion was observed. However, unlike East Beach 1, minimal recovery of the beach and dune systems occurred in following years. Winter storms in 2022-2024 yielded more beach and dune erosion. Farther to the east, beach and dune along the western wall of the Charlestown Breachway was progressively eroded until the jetty wall was breached. A major repair was completed in Fall 2025 through a partnership effort by the RIDEM, the RI CRMC and the Town of Charlestown.
Explore Beach Profiles at East Beach 2