A Beginner’s Guide to Tide Pooling in the Pacific Northwest

Tide pool season calls for a guide, right? Although I’m a newbie at tide pooling and only discovered it after moving to Seattle, I’ve looked forward to the season every year since. In this post, I’d like to share how I approach the season as a beginner tide pooling enthusiast and where I go every year.

What Is Tide Pooling, Anyway? 

Tide pooling is a recreational activity you can do solo or with a group, exploring the rocky intertidal zones along a coastline. The goal is to observe marine life trapped in natural rock pools when the tide recedes. It’s educational and, in my opinion, therapeutic. You’ll be surprised to know how many amazing creatures call these rocks their home. 

What’s the Best Tide Pooling Season in the Pacific Northwest? 

Tide pooling season begins in late spring and lasts through late summer. All you have to do is check the tide chart before planning a trip to the shore. I’ll cover more in the next section, but May is the best month, with the lowest tide levels around Washington. So if you’re planning to do this for the first time, aim for sometime in May. 

How to Plan Your First Tide Pooling Day 

It’s not as complicated as planning a stargazing trip, but it does require some planning to have the best experience. I’m saying this from experience: the first time I went, I was clueless and a little disappointed. The second time, I was pumped by the amount of species I spotted, so I now make it a ritual to follow these steps before I head to any tide pool. 

Step 1: Check the Tide Chart 

Just like you check the moon phase before planning a stargazing trip, checking the tide chart is very important. All you have to do is search “tide levels at [X beach].” I usually hit Puget Sound beaches like Brackett’s Landing in Edmonds or Dash Point State Park near Federal Way. 

The tide chart will give you tide levels by the hour. Find a time when they hit their lowest level, preferably below 0. You’ll have the best chances of spotting starfish, anemones, and more during these minus tides. 

Step 2: Dress Appropriately 

You’ll have to walk in wet sand and on slippery rocks, so dress accordingly. Waterproof clothes are preferred. I got my waterproof pants from Amazon, a Columbia rain jacket, and my favorite Vessi waterproof shoes and socks. A sun hat and sunscreen are also recommended, since it can be sunny out there, especially during low-tide hours. 

Step 3: Gear 

You don’t need any special gear for tide pooling, but if you want to take photos, I’d recommend either getting a macro lens for your phone or carrying a DSLR/mirrorless camera like I do. I usually use my regular telephoto lens, which helps me maintain distance from the animals, but I struggle when they’re literally under the rock. 

Best Tide Pools in the Pacific Northwest 

Now that you’re all set for your adventure, it’s time to reveal the best tide pools in the Pacific Northwest. I’ll also add public transit options for the ones that can be easily reached from Seattle, Tacoma, or other major cities in the region. You can find the location pointers in this google map link. 

Tide Pools I’ve Been To 

1. Rosario Head at Deception Pass State Park (1h 30m drive from Seattle) – This is where I discovered what tide pools are and the art of exploring them. I had no idea I was tide pooling at that time, but I’ve always been an observer, so it came naturally to me, and there was no going back.
2. Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary (2h 50m drive from Seattle) – Easily accessible tide pools near Olympic National Park Park in the Salt Creek Recreation Area. We saw many shorebirds and giant green anemones.
3. Carkeek Park, Seattle (Bus 5, D) – A lively urban park with a rocky shoreline that’s perfect for a quick tide pooling fix. At low tide, you can spot small crabs, Sea anemones, periwinkles, and sometimes even small fish hiding among the rocks. It’s great for families and doesn’t require a long drive from downtown Seattle.
4. Discovery Park, Seattle (Bus 24, 33) – Seattle’s largest park has a rugged, rocky beach area where tide pools form at low tide. You’ll find sea stars, anemones, and a mix of small crustaceans. The loop trail and beach access make it a nice combo hike-and-tide-pool outing, especially if you want to include some green space and views of the Sound.
5. Golden Gardens, Seattle (Bus D -> 45) – Mostly sandy, but the rocky jetties and boulders at the north end hold surprising tide pools. It’s a popular sunset spot, so if you time it right around low tide in the late afternoon, you can enjoy both the pools and a beautiful view. You’ll often see small crabs, snails, and anemones clinging to the rocks.
6. Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint, Seattle (Bus 21 -> 50/ 773) – The north part of Constellation Park is a great spot for urban tide pooling. You can walk from Alki Beach Park to this point or drive straight up.
7. Brackett’s Landing, Edmonds (Light rail to Lynwood + bus 102) – This is my favorite spot near Seattle. You can spot so many things, from different types of crabs to fish. Plus, there are so many birds; my heart is always full after visiting this place.
8. Dash Point State Park, Federal Way (Light rail to Federal station + rideshare)– It’s a popular spot for clamming, and you can literally see the clams squirting out water. The rocky areas nearby also hold tide pools with starfish and anemones at low tide.
9. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach (4hrs drive from Seattle / 1hr bus from Portland – Northwest bus) – Another cool spot, but quite far from where I live. I remember spotting many species despite not visiting during a low tide. Imagine what you’ll see if you go at the right time, you’ll surely be in for a treat.

Tide Pools I’d Like to Explore 

1. Tide Pools in Olympic National Park – This place is a gold mine when it comes to tide pooling. Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Beach 4, Mora’s Hole in the Wall, and other parts of the Rialto Beach area, plus Shi Shi Beach, all promise incredible marine life. I’m especially excited to see sea stars, anemones, and maybe even octopus in these wild, rugged pools. 
2. Tide Pools of Tacoma – Tacoma is a hidden gem near Seattle with so many beach parks to explore. Titlow Beach and Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park are at the top of my list. I’ve heard they’re great for spotting crabs, small fish, and even the giant pacific octopus.
3. Seahurst Park, Burien – Seahawks fans might know this park for its views, but it’s also a solid tide pooling spot with a rocky shoreline and plenty of intertidal life. I’m hoping to catch low tides here to explore crabs, anemones, and maybe even some small greenlings hiding among the rocks. 
4. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Shoreline – This small park has a boardwalk and direct access to a rocky beach that’s perfect for tide pooling. I want to try it during a minus tide to see what kind of sea stars and invertebrates live in this quiet, less-crowded corner of Puget Sound. 
5. Point Robinson Beach, Vashon Island – Reaching here means a short ferry ride, but I’m drawn to the idea of tide pooling on Vashon Island. Point Robinson has a lighthouse, forested trails, and a rocky shoreline that should hold some neat tidal creatures once the water pulls back. 
6. Tide Pools of the San Juan Islands – The San Juans feel like a whole new world, and Lopez Island is on my list for a full tide pooling adventure. Cattle Point and Agate Beach are known for their rocky shores and marine life, and I’m hoping to spot sea stars, chitons, and maybe even seals while I’m there. 
7. Ecola State Park – On the Oregon coast, Ecola State Park is famous for its dramatic cliffs and views, but it also has tide pools worth exploring. I’m eager to walk the trails, find the rocky coves, and see what kind of Oregon coast marine life I can discover at low tide. 
8. Seal Rock State Park – Further south on the Oregon coast, Seal Rock State Park is known for its namesake rock formations and intertidal zones. I’m looking forward to scrambling over the rocks at low tide and seeing what’s hiding in the pools, sea stars, anemones, and maybe even some small fish. 

You’re all set for your tide pooling adventure, so pick up your hat, wear those waterproof boots and get going to the nearest beach or make a day trip out of it!