The community suffers from the extreme coastal erosion of Cape Shoalwater, which has been diminished drastically in size, with the ocean claiming dozens of structures over the last 100 years and remaining a substantial threat.

Captain George Johnson was assigned to keep the station, and he left his land claim near current day Raymond, Washington to purchase 32 acres (13 ha) near Cape Shoalwater.

[6] North Cove has been nicknamed "Washaway Beach," and its loss of over 100 feet (30 m) of land per year has led to it being labeled the fastest-eroding shoreline on the West Coast.

[8][9] The community continues struggling to slow the rapid coastal erosion through ongoing efforts to maintain shorelines, including portions of Washington State Route 105.

[10] Efforts to stabilize the shoreline using dynamic revetment, which employs natural materials such as driftwood and cobble to dissipate wave energy, are showing promise.