Unlocking the Mysterious Oregon Coast Tide Pools

Things to Do in Oregon: Beach Trips Include a Stop at a Tidal Pool

Aug 26, 2008 Lisa Nichols

There are a number of fun things to do when visiting the Oregon Coast. A trip for the family includes visiting one of the many coastal tide pools that line the beaches.

Fragile ecosystems abound in Oregon tidal pools and safety tips include a heightened understanding of the delicate sea creatures that reside in the pools as well as an awareness of times for low and high tides and dangerous sneaker waves. Learn more about where to find tide pools in Oregon with information from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Visiting the Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast

In addition to whale watching, eating fresh seafood and going to the sand dunes park, a favorite thing to do on the Oregon Coast is to visit the tide pools. The Oregon tide pools are rocky pools just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. As high tide comes in, the pools fill with water. The continuous movement of water provides fresh seawater to the inhabitants of the Oregon tide pools, providing an ever-changing landscape and a new adventure for families every time they visit.

Visiting the Oregon Coast: Creatures in the Magical Tide Pools

The Oregon tide pools are filled with a variety of sea creatures, including sea anemones, mussels, starfish, algae, sea urchins, crabs and mussels. All of these creatures and more can all be found during a quick trip to an Oregon beach. Though they’re tempting to touch, it’s important to keep curious fingers out of the Oregon tide pools. They’re a fragile ecosystem, and moving or touching sea creatures can cause them harm or even kill them. In addition, there are some guidelines to help visitors to the tide pools stay safe.

Oregon Beach Trips to the Tide Pools: Safety Tips

There are a number of safety tips to follow on Oregon beach trips to the tide pools. The rocks lining the Oregon Coast pools can be slippery. In addition, an awareness of the tides can help prevent getting washed out to sea by an errant wave. Sneaker waves that seem to come out of nowhere and wayward driftwood can be very hazardous during Oregon beach trips to the tide pools. The best time to visit the Oregon Coast tide pools is about an hour or so before low tide. The rocks surrounding the pools will be fairly dry, making it easier to hike around and maneuver between the pools.

Where to Go: Visiting the Oregon Coast Tide Pools

Visiting the Oregon Coast tide pools is easy, since they are located up and down the state. Oregon beach trips to places like Seaside, Newport and Brookings can easily include a quick trip to the tide pools. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department provides a detailed list of tide pools on the coast. The list includes information about ease or difficulty involved in visiting each of the tide pool locations. In addition, the guide provides information about the Oregon Coast tide pools that have interpretive programs.

References:

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Natural Resources

The copyright of the article Unlocking the Mysterious Oregon Coast Tide Pools in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Lisa Nichols . Permission to republish Unlocking the Mysterious Oregon Coast Tide Pools in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Aug 26, 2008 10:54 AM
Aurae Beidler :
Great article and photos! It makes me want to go explore the tidepools.
Aug 26, 2008 11:23 AM
Lisa Nichols :
I know, I haven't been for a while and I miss it... It's such fun to go with little ones!
2 Comments