Oregon State Parks
Oregon’s Rocky
Intertidal Areas
362 miles of coastline hide some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Retreating tides reveal pools teeming with life — organized into distinct zones, each with its own community of resilient ocean residents.
27 Public Access Sites
4 Tidal Zones
Access Directory
27 Rocky Intertidal Sites
All 27 public access sites along the Oregon coast, from Astoria to Brookings. Filter by access difficulty or search by name. Interpretive programs are generally more available during spring and summer weekend low tides.
E — Easy: Paved or well-maintained trail, not steep
M — Moderate: Steep, or poorly maintained sections
D — Difficult: Trail requires climbing
| # ↕ | Site Name ↕ | Access ↕ | Amenities ↕ | Directions ↕ |
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Tidal Zones
Who Lives Where
Tidepools are divided into zones classified by wave action, tidal exposure, temperature and salinity. Each community of organisms is adapted to the precise conditions of its zone — some hardy enough to span multiple zones, others existing only in a narrow band of habitat.
Highest Zone
Spray Zone
Extends from the highest reach of spray and storm waves to the average high tide mark. Mostly dry — only the hardiest organisms survive here, tolerating extreme temperature swings and limited moisture.
◈ Rarely submerged · Extreme conditions
🐚 Acorn Barnacle
🪨 Ribbed Limpet
Lichens
High Tide Zone
High Tide Zone
From average high tide to just below average sea level. Highly saline and subject to wide temperature swings. Organisms here are regularly submerged at high tide but exposed at low.
◈ Submerged at high tide · Highly saline
🦀 Purple Shore Crab
🐌 Black Turban Snail
Rockweed
Mid-Tide Zone
Mid-Tide Zone
From just below average sea level to the upper limit of the average lowest tides. Experiences intense wave action, but is the richest zone for animal and plant diversity — a dense, productive community.
◈ Strong wave action · Rich in diversity
🦪 California Mussel
⭐ Ochre Sea Star
🪨 Rough Keyhole Limpet
🦀 Hermit Crab
🐚 Black Leather Chiton
🐌 Gooseneck Barnacles
🌿 Giant Green Anemone
Surfgrass
Lowest Zone
Low Tide Zone
Only exposed at the very lowest tides. Temperature and salinity stay stable, supporting the highest biodiversity. Organisms here are also shielded from large predators by shallow water and wave action.
◈ Exposed only at minus tides · Highest biodiversity
🐚 Giant Pacific Chiton
🌊 Red Sea Cucumber
🐌 Blue Top Snail
🦔 Purple Sea Urchin
🐙 Nudibranch (Sea Slug)
⭐ Sunflower Sea Star
Feather Boa Kelp
Sea Palms
Watch the Skies
Seabirds
The rocky headlands and offshore islands attract breeding seabirds year-round. Harbor seal pups also rest on rocks nearby. Observe all wildlife from at least 50 feet away — binoculars strongly recommended.
◈ Keep 50 ft distance · No disturbing nests
🦅 Peregrine Falcon
🐦 Pigeon Guillemot
🕊️ Western Gull
🐦⬛ Black Oystercatcher
🦭 Harbor Seal (nearby)
Field Guide
Common Tidepool Creatures
The following species are among the most frequently spotted along the Oregon coast. Many can be found at Cape Perpetua and other mid-coast sites. Animals with italic names in green are plants.
🌊 Anemones & Worms
Giant Green Anemone
Aggregating Anemone
Red Trumpet Tubeworm
🦪 Mussels & Barnacles
Blue Mussel (small)
California Mussel (large)
Acorn Barnacle
Gooseneck Barnacles
🐚 Chitons & Limpets
Lined Chiton
Black Katy Chiton
Mossy Chiton
Black Leather Chiton
Giant Pacific Chiton
Shield Limpet
Keyhole Limpet
Ribbed Limpet
🐌 Snails
Northern Striped Dogwinkle
Black Turban Shell
Blue Top Snail
🐙 Nudibranchs & Cephalopods
Opalescent Nudibranch
Shaggy Mouse Nudibranch
Sea Lemon Nudibranch
Octopus
⭐ Echinoderms
Ochre Sea Star
Sunflower Star
Purple Sea Urchin
Red Sea Cucumber
🦀 Crabs
Purple Shore Crab
Hermit Crab
🌿 Plants & Algae
Rockweed
Surfgrass
Feather Boa Kelp
Sea Palms
Before You Go
Tips for Safe Visits
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations protect all tidepool animals. Follow these guidelines to keep both the ecosystem and yourself safe.
1
Know the rules before you go
Check ODFW sport fishing regulations — free at most stores selling sporting goods. Special collection restrictions apply at many sites.
2
Arrive one hour before low tide
Start with pools closest to the ocean and work back as the tide comes in. Best visits happen at zero-foot tides and below; up to two feet is workable in calm seas.
3
Watch your step
Rocks and marine algae are extremely slippery. Many animals hide under seaweed to avoid sun and predators — step carefully and replace anything you disturb.
4
Keep one eye on the ocean
You’re near active waves. Watch for incoming swells. If a large wave approaches, lie flat on the rocks and hold on tight. Never turn your back on the ocean.
5
Touch gently, replace exactly
Touching and picking up animals is fine — but return each animal to the exact spot you found it. Never pull or pry an animal from a rock; they grip with tremendous force for good reason.
6
Stay on marked trails
Many tidepools are near unstable headlands and bluffs. Trails are marked for your safety — follow them.
7
Dress for immersion
Expect to get wet. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Evening coastal temperatures drop quickly — hypothermia risk is real if you stay soaked.
8
Bring binoculars
Harbor seal pups rest on rocks while mothers feed offshore. Seabirds nest on rocky outcroppings. Enjoy these animals from at least 50 feet — binoculars let you get close without disturbing them.
9
Look everywhere
Check in crevices, under rocks, beneath seaweed. Tidepool creatures are masters of camouflage and hiding. Re-cover rocks and seaweed after looking to prevent animals from drying out.
10
All coastal rocks are refuges
All offshore coastal rocks and islands are protected National Wildlife Refuges — closed to all public use. Contact US Fish & Wildlife (541-867-4550) for information.
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