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Those who travel to the Oregon South Coast discover that tidepooling is fun for people of all ages. Vacationers can discover a large number of interesting creatures including limpets, tiny crabs, sea anemones, starfish, urchins, sea cucumbers, mussels, barnacles, and chitons that somehow survive in tidepools.
Tidepools are areas along the Oregon South Coast that trap saltwater into shallow pools along the intertidal zone - the zones between the high and low water tides. Tide pooling is discovering the fascinating aquatic life living in those pools.
In the cool water of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, the life in those pools can be explored safely. The species can be handled without fear of anything other than a pinch from a defensive crab. Please be kind to this amazing life. Don't pry off organisms that are attached to rocks and return all life and rocks in the condition and position as you found them as prolonged exposure to sunlight can kill them.
For those planning a vacation along the Oregon South Coast, keep a lookout for rocky coastlines and beaches with lots of rocks as these create the best conditions for forming these shallow tide pools. Grab waterproof shoes, or sneakers with good traction that can get wet, and head out just before low tide to explore for this amazing organisms that have adapted to this tough environment. Since the water can be quite cool, warm clothing is also recommended.
Always be conscious of the ocean and plan your retreat as the tide returns. When exploring, be sure to face the ocean and keep an eye out for 'sneaker waves' that can pop up anytime.
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Tide pooling in Gold Beach and Port Orford on the Oregon Coast is one of the most fascinating family fun activities on the coast. Miles and miles of undeveloped ... more
Brookings - Harbor
Tide pooling north of Brookings - Harbor on the Oregon Coast offers a view into the fascinating world of marine life. Miles of state parks with easy access from ... more
