The coast of Oregon is well known for its untamed beauty and striking scenery, but those who venture past the well-traveled beaches will find undiscovered treasures.
The magnificent tide pools, brimming with life and providing a singular window into the marine ecosystem, are among these undiscovered gems.
Come along with us as we explore the most breathtaking tidal pools and the wonders they hold as we set out along the Oregon coast.
Cape Kiwanda
Some of Oregon’s best tide pools can be found around Cape Kiwanda. Observe as the sea kelp and urchins sway, giving way to tiny fish and crabs hiding beneath the rocks.
When you’re done exploring, ascend the steep sand dune to the top to experience everything this fertile cape has to offer. This hike along the Oregon coast is one of my favorites!
But proceed with caution—the edges of the cliffs are prone to crumbling due to the soft sandstone that makes them.
Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock
The iconic rock face of the Oregon coast, Haystack Rock, has countless tidepools between rock piles at its base that are teeming with marine life.
The typical suspects are there, such as sea stars, barnacles, hermit crabs, and perhaps a tiny octopus. Keep an eye out for aquatic birds, such as the cute puffin, whose colony is located on Haystack Rock. Their vivid orange beaks make them difficult to miss!
Whale, sea lion, and seal sightings are common here as well. There are lots of locations to pause for a bite to eat, restock on salt water taffy, and pick up trinkets to give your loved ones back home beyond the coast.
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Hug Point State Park
Hug Point State Park is undoubtedly among the greatest state parks near the shore, in part because of the excellent tide pools nearby. The lush hillsides covered in towering sitka spruce and ferns envelop the picture-perfect sandy cove.
Some of Oregon’s most interesting tide pools are found inside caves that have been sculpted by the relentless sea. Enjoy the pools at your leisure before setting up a full beach lunch on a blanket.
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Newport
Newport is well-known for its aquarium, which features a huge collection of regional marine life, touch tables for the tidal pools, and an amazing glass tunnel that passes directly across a shark tank!
As much fun as the Newport Aquarium may be, you should go visit the shore to find tide pools for yourself. Everyone can find something to enjoy at the nearby Yachats State Recreation Area.
With its abundance of nature trails, grassy spaces for kids and pets, and stunning views of the coast, this recreation area is a terrific place to stop or even go!
When the tide is low, be careful to explore the rocky walkway beneath the observation platform to look for sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs. This is where the activity in the tidal pools occurs.
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Harris Beach
Harris Beach, the southernmost location on this list of the top tidepools along the Oregon coast, is located just north of Brookings.
The best place to see the most variety of marine life is by taking the short route that leads straight down to the beach, where bright starfish mingle with dusky hermit crabs and soft anemones.
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To Conclude
For those who love the outdoors, the Oregon coast is a veritable gold mine, with its stunning scenery and diverse marine life. Discovering the tidal pools along this breathtaking coastline offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the wonders of nature up close.
Every spot, from the well-known Haystack Rock to the secluded coves of Hug Point, presents a different chance to experience the allure of the tide pools.
So gather your sense of adventure and curiosity and set out to discover the amazing tidal pools around the Oregon coast.
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