Updated: April 1, 2024
The Oregon Coast has hundreds of miles of rocky shoreline dotted with tidal pools to explore. Tide pools are shallow areas of seawater left behind when the tide goes out. They are found in rocky intertidal zones, or parts of the shoreline that are exposed to the air during low tide and submerged during high tide.
These pools are a colorful garden of sea life exploding with marine plants and animals to observe. It’s a fun beach activity for curious kids and adults alike, and a great opportunity to learn about marine life while exploring the beach.
Below, we’ve compiled a guide for how to explore tide pools safely, including a list of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast (with a map). The list is organized from north to south to help you find each spot.
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What is There to See in Oregon’s Tide Pools?
Types of Marine Life in Oregon Tide Pools
You can expect to see many species of marine plants and animals in Oregon tide pools including algae, kelp and seaweeds, barnacles, mussels, sea pickles, snails, nudibranchs, crabs, chiton, sea urchin, limpets, jellyfish, sea slugs, small fish, sea anemone, sea stars or starfish and occasionally, even a giant Pacific octopus makes an appearance.
Large fish, sharks, whales, jellyfish, those blue blobs called Velella velella (by-the-wind sailors) and sand dollars also wash up on Oregon’s shores.
Further Reading
📕 For a GREAT book on sea life, grab a copy of Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds And Selected Fishes by Andy Lamb and Bernard Hanby. It’s packed with full-color photos so you’ll be able to recognize all of the marine creatures you encounter.
Wildlife Spotting on the Oregon Coast
Seabirds and shorebirds frequently feed in these intertidal areas as well and the Oregon Coast is known for great bird watching. Sea lions or seals often swim around or relax on nearby rocks. Whales can be spotted offshore during spring and winter migrations.
👉 More about where to go whale watching on the Oregon Coast
Recently a cougar made headlines when it got stranded at high tide on Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. While this was the first-ever reported incident of a cougar climbing Haystack Rock, it is good to be aware that cougars and mountain lions have been spotted in populated areas on the Oregon Coast and to use caution.
Heed posted warning signs and do not try to approach animals or get closer to take photos.
When is the Best Time for Oregon Tide Pools?
Before low tide: The best time to visit tide pools is 1-2 hours before low tide, as the tide is still receding. This will give you more time to explore as the tide is going out.
Once the tide reaches its lowest point, the water level starts rising again. To learn more about tides, see NOAA’s Tides and Water Levels tutorial.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to beaches and always keep an eye on the water level. Use extreme caution in rocky areas near the water, where sneaker waves can (and do) strike.
🌊 There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s coast. Check tide tables or ask at state park offices, local visitor information centers and many stores and hotels for a free tide table booklet.
Don’t forget to check the weather before heading out for the day. The weather can change quickly on the coast and you don’t want to be out on the rocks in a storm.
How Do You Safely Explore Tide Pools?
Watch Your Step
Use extreme caution at all times and stay in shallow areas– rocks near crashing waves are very slippery and sneaker waves can (and do) strike unexpectedly up and down the Oregon Coast. Don’t turn your back to the ocean, wear sturdy, waterproof footwear (not flip-flops) and prepare to get a little wet. Some rocks are sharp, so take care not to cut your hands while climbing around.
Watch What You Touch
Remember, tide pools are delicate ecosystems that can be easily disturbed. When visiting, it’s crucial to avoid stepping on marine life (dogs included) and to leave everything as you found it to help preserve these natural areas.
This means no poking, prodding or prying sea life off of the rocks. Some creatures, like crabs, jellyfish and some urchins can injure curious hands and it’s best to just leave them be.
Bundle Up
While you’re out looking for the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast, be sure to dress for the weather. The wind can be very strong on Oregon beaches and hats will blow off, so a good waterproof rain jacket with an attached hood or fitted beanie is recommended.
Where are the Best Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast?
Oregon State Parks Tide Pools
There may be more tide pool locations known to locals, but we recommend sticking to State Parks and established areas that have easy access, signage, parking and restrooms. These areas are more suitable and generally safer for visitors, especially those with small children.
Oregon Park Fees and Passes
There are modest day-use fees in some areas (usually around $5), check the website of the park before visiting. Several annual park passes are available and totally worth it if you will be visiting multiple parks.
The Oregon Pacific Coast Passport covers entry or day use fees at dozens of federal fee sites (Forest Service, National Parks Service, and Bureau of Land Management) and Oregon State Park sites along Highway 101 and the Siuslaw National Forest.
Northern Oregon Coast Tide Pools
Best Tide Pools Near Seaside and Cannon Beach
The Cove, south of Seaside, is a rocky surfing spot with tide pools at low tide.
Ecola State Park is a large natural area south of Seaside and north of Cannon Beach. Look for tide pools on Indian Beach.
Cannon Beach has some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast. Haystack Rock (The Goonies rock) is accessible at low tide from the beach. Park at the public lot on Hemlock and Gower Street and walk to the beach access point next to the Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge.
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site is just a mile south of Cannon Beach. On the north end is Humbug Point, with Lion Rock just off the point, only accessible at low tide.
- Visit the town of Seaside
- Explore the town of Cannon Beach
Tide Pools Near Manzanita
Between Manzanita and Cannon Beach, Hug Point State Recreation Site is a beach cove where you can see Hug Point waterfall and explore sandstone sea caves and tidepools at low tide. Take caution in this area, you can get stranded by the incoming tide and the Hug Point waterfall is only accessible at low tide.
Short Sand Beach is part of Oswald West State Park, about 5 minutes north of Manzanita. To get to the beach and tide pools, you’ll need to walk about a half mile from the parking lot, under Highway 101, following Short Sand Creek on an established trail through the coastal forest.
Tide Pools Near Oceanside and Pacific City
Maxwell Point is a large rocky headland with tide pools in the Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site. From the parking lot, there are stairs and a ramp down to the beach.
Here, you’ll also find an entrance to a tunnel that goes through the rock to Tunnel Beach on the other side.
Just south of Cape Meares, not to be confused with Short Sand, is Short Beach. There is a quarter-mile walk with some stairs to get to the beach.
- Learn more about the tiny town of Oceanside, Oregon and Tunnel Beach
Be especially aware of the tide at these locations and bring a flashlight if you plan to enter the beach tunnels at your own risk (only at low tide). There have been rockslides here in the past.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area in Pacific City has impressive sandstone rock formations and also some of the best tide pools to explore.
- Explore more of the best beaches on the northern Oregon Coast
- Visit the town of Pacific City
Central Oregon Coast Tide Pools
Best Tide Pools Near Lincoln City and Depoe Bay
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area has tide pools along the north side of the bowl. Also visit nearby Otter Rock Marine Reserve, Otter Crest Beach and Otter Rock Beach. All of these tide pools are south of Depoe Bay.
- Learn more about Lincoln City
Best Tide Pools Near Newport and Waldport
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, has two excellent tide pools: Quarry Cove and Cobble Beach. This is also a very scenic beach with an old lighthouse.
Seal Rock State Recreation Site, north of Waldport, features several large rock formations providing a habitat to seals, sea lions, birds and an abundance of sea life in the tide pools. The best tide pools on the Oregon Coast are near rocky areas like this. The short trail to the beach is steep in areas but features an ADA accessible viewpoint halfway.
- Explore the fun coastal town of Newport
- Visit Waldport and Seal Rock
Best Tide Pools Near Yachats and Florence
Yachats State Recreation Area is conveniently located in the town of Yachats and has tide pools among the basalt rocks and an easily accessible viewing platform if you don’t want to get too close. Smelt Sands has tide pools as well. Waves can be very rough here, use caution.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area not only has some of the best tide pools but also features Devil’s Churn, Cook’s Chasm and Thor’s Well. Cape Cove Beach has tide pools and is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Garden.
Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint is a beautiful spot to explore tide pools along with Strawberry Hill and Bob Creek.
- Visit the town of Yachats
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, north of Florence, may be known for its iconic lighthouse, but it also has great tide pools and hiking trails.
- Visit the town of Florence
- Discover more of the best beaches on the central Oregon Coast
Southern Oregon Coast Tide Pools
Best Tide Pools near Coos Bay
Just outside of Coos Bay, you’ll find Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park all within minutes of each other. This is one of the best tide pool areas on the Oregon Coast if you want to visit multiple tide pools in one day.
- Learn more about Coos Bay
Fivemile Point, north of Bandon, is a great beach with a variety of rock formations on the southern Oregon coast with tide pools at low tide.
Coquille Point and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge near Bandon is a very scenic area with beach access, interesting rock formations and tide pools.
- Visit the scenic small town of Bandon
Port Orford, Gold Beach, Brookings Tide Pools
Cape Blanco State Park, north of Port Orford, has some tide pools to explore on the north crescent beach side. There is also a campground and old lighthouse. More tide pools are located near the port, just north of the boat dock.
Rocky Point (Oregon) is located 3 miles south of Port Orford and has tide pools at low tide.
Arizona Beach (Oregon) State Recreation Site is a nice park with a creek, ocean cliffs, a sandy beach and a rocky area to the south with great tide pools. Nearby Sisters Rock State Park is also a good spot to explore the tide pools around the rocks.
- Explore the old fishing town of Port Orford
North and south of Otter Point State Recreation Site, near Gold Beach, you’ll find tide pools in rocky areas at low tide.
Lone Ranch Beach north of Brookings is a beautiful rocky beach great for tidepooling and spectacular sunsets.
Harris Beach State Park, also near Brookings, has miles of sandy beaches and rocks and includes the largest island off the Oregon coast (Bird Island aka Goat Island). The island is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and home to a rich variety of sea life.
Near the California border, Winchuck Beach can be accessed from the road on the north side of the Winchuck River. There is a rocky beach area with tide pools about ¾-mile north of the parking lot.
- Explore Gold Beach
- Visit scenic Brookings
The Best Tide Pools on the Oregon Coast Map
Just click on the Oregon Coast Tide Pools map to get driving directions from your location.
📄 You can also download a map (pdf) of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast from Oregon State Parks.
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