Named for the way travelers had to “hug” the point to get around it at low tide before the highway was built. Features carved sea caves, a seasonal waterfall that cascades onto the beach, and remnants of an old stagecoach road with visible wheel ruts. Accessible only at low tide, the site offers fascinating tidepools […]
Beaches for Tidepooling
Yachats Beach
Known as the “Gem of the Oregon Coast,” Yachats offers a unique volcanic shoreline where the forest meets the sea. While not a traditional sandy beach, the dramatic rocky shoreline creates spectacular wave action, especially during storms. The area is renowned for its extensive tidepools and the scenic 804 Trail that follows the shoreline, offering […]
Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site
A less crowded alternative to nearby Cannon Beach, featuring a picturesque cove with offshore rock formations. The beach offers excellent tidepooling opportunities during low tide and is a favorite spot for picnicking and sunset photography. Located along the scenic Highway 101, it provides a perfect stopping point for those traveling between the more popular destinations […]
Neskowin Beach
Home to the famous “Ghost Forest,” ancient tree stumps about 2,000 years old that are visible at low tide. The beach is anchored by Proposal Rock, a forested sea stack that can be reached on foot during low tide. This quiet, uncrowded beach offers a more peaceful alternative to busier coastal destinations, with excellent tidepooling […]
Oceanside Beach
A small, picturesque beach with views of the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. The beach features a unique tunnel through Maxwell Point that leads to a secluded cove accessible only at low tide. This tranquil village offers a quieter alternative to more developed beach towns, with excellent opportunities for beachcombing, bird watching, and exploring […]
Birch Bay
Birch Bay is a shallow, crescent-shaped bay that warms up significantly during summer months, making it one of the most swimmable beaches in Washington. The bay’s extreme tidal exchanges can expose up to a half-mile of tidelands during low tide, creating exceptional opportunities for collecting shellfish and exploring tide pools. The 194-acre Birch Bay State […]
Cannon Beach
Iconic Oregon beach famous for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that serves as a nesting site for tufted puffins. The beach offers excellent tidepooling, expansive sandy shores, and stunning views. The charming nearby town has art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a complete coastal experience.
Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach)
A massive 235-foot sea stack that dominates the shoreline at Cannon Beach. Protected as a marine garden and wildlife refuge, it hosts diverse sea life in its tidepools and serves as a nesting site for tufted puffins from spring to early summer. During low tide, visitors can walk right up to it to explore the […]
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
A unique natural attraction where the ocean churns and froths inside a partially collapsed sea cave. The dramatic show is especially impressive during high tide or stormy weather. The surrounding area offers excellent tide pools during low tide, viewpoints for whale watching, and a small sandy beach at nearby Otter Rock for swimming during calm […]
Kalaloch Beach
Kalaloch Beach is part of Olympic National Park’s coastal region, offering several numbered beach access points (Beach 1-4). The area is famous for the “Tree of Life,” a Sitka spruce that hangs over an eroded bluff with roots exposed yet still thriving. Kalaloch Creek empties into the ocean here, creating diverse habitats. The Kalaloch Campground […]