The Oregon coast is a world-class destination for its outstanding views, vibrant seaside towns, and incredible nature. But it isn’t until the tide goes out that a whole other world opens up, perfect for exploration.
These hidden coastal zones are home to an array of sea life, including sea stars, urchins, anemones, octopuses, crabs, and more.
Some pools may be so small that they only hold a single seastar, while others are so large that they are like an underwater city with crabs scurrying about, small fish swimming in and out of hidden nooks, and maybe even an octopus or eel lurking under a hidden cave.
So, the next time you’re headed to the coast, check the tide tables to see if your visit will coincide with a negative tide.
The lowest tides typically take place in the morning hours, but I can promise that the early wake-up will be worth it to experience this intertidal wonderland.
*Caution* Use extreme care when visiting these zones as sneaker waves can hit the beaches along the Oregon coast at any time, quickly incoming tides can leave you stranded, and the rocks in these areas are often covered in slippery seaweed and sharp barnacles.
1. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
The tide flats around Haystack Rock are one of the most popular tide pooling spots on the entire Oregon coast. On large negative tide days, you can always expect a crowd to be out exploring the exposed pools and the sealife that clings to the side of Haystack Rock.
If you’re looking for a little more solitude, then head just a couple of miles north or south, and you’ll find that you will have the beach almost all to yourself.
2. Cape Perpetua, Yachats
The rocky coastlines around Yachats are a tide pooler’s dream, with large pools that hold a truly impressive array of wildlife.
There are outstanding pools along the beaches right in town, or you can head a few miles south to Cape Perpetua, which is home to natural sights like Devils Churn and Thor’s Well, along with outstanding tidepools.
3. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Newport
The beaches around Yaquina Head Oustanding Natural Area, which sits just north of Newport, are home to two excellent tidepooling spots.
The first is Quarry Cove, which, as its name implies, is an old quarry that is now home to easily accessible tide pools right off the beach.
The second is located just up the road at Cobble Beach, which is home to large boulders that create the perfect habitat for sea life.
As an added bonus, you can also swing by Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is the tallest on the entire Oregon coast.
4. Harris Beach State Park, Brookings
Just north of Brookings, you’ll find the popular state park and campground of Harris Beach State Park. The coastline along the park is littered with towering sea stacks and rocky shores that hold a world of aquatic life when the tide goes out.
The intertidal zone here is one of seven designed Marine Gardens in the state of Oregon so you know the tidepooling will be good!
5. Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint
Located just south of Yachats and Cape Perpetua, Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint consists of a series of roadside pullouts right along the rocky shores of the beach.
This area is home to many locals’ favorite tide pooling spots, with a variety of large pools and small hidden alcoves that are perfect for harboring octopuses.
As an added bonus, these beaches are also a great spot to hunt for agates, so keep your eyes peeled for these translucent gemstones.
6. Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City
The sleepy beachside town of Pacific City holds a small but extremely picturesque tide pooling area around the base of Cape Kiwanda.
For most visitors, the Cape provides endless fun as they climb up this giant dune and take in the views from the top.
But when the tides go way out, a new world is uncovered around the head of the cape.
Use caution in this area around the base of the cape, as it frequently unleashes huge amounts of sand onto the beach below.
7. Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay
This state park just outside of Coos Bay is definitely an underrated gem when it comes to scenic spots along the Oregon Coast.
Head down to Simpson Beach, where you’ll most likely find more sea lions and seals than humans, as you can explore the rocky coastline.
Just make sure to leave the sealife alone, as sea lions are not to be messed with!
