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Tide Pooling on the
Oregon 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 tidal pools.
Tidepools are areas along the coast that trap saltwater into shallow pools along the intertidal zone - the zones between the high and low water tides. Tidepooling is discovering the fascinating aquatic life living in those pools.
In the cool water of the Pacific Ocean, 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.
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.
The best time to go tide pooling is during low tide - the lower the better. There are a few minus tides during the year. These are called minus tides because low tide is exceptionally low. There are several websites that display tide tables. One of them is Saltwater Tides.
Where to go Tidepooling
Gold Beach - Port Orford
Tide pooling is one of the most fascinating family fun vacation activities on the coast. Miles and miles of undeveloped beaches with easy access invite you to explore. Look for rocky beaches (not jetties), then search the zone where the ocean meets land and discover the colorful sea stars and anemones. The best places for tide pooling are rocky areas. These include Rocky Point, Sisters Rocks, and north and south of Otter Point ... more
Brookings - Harbor
Tidepooling offers a view into the fascinating world of marine life. Miles of state parks, with easy access from US Route 101, invite you to explore. Look for the colorful sea stars, anemones, and crabs found in the intertidal zone. Time your visit for low tide, watch your step, and keep a careful eye out on the ocean tides and waves. Please remember that these creatures are alive and fragile. Please watch in wonder and leave them to live and thrive in their natural environment ... more
