Beaches and tidepools
Whales, otters, birds, tidepools, seastacks and rugged coves
Help protect the Olympic coast
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary volunteering, education
Be a beach naturalist - Learn about this ecosystem, volunteer
Olympic Peninsula Surfrider Foundation
Washington CoastSavers volunteer clean-ups twice yearly
How to check for low tides
Check low tide times using an online tide chart. Tidepools are best during “minus tides,” but any tide under 1.5’ is good, too. Note: Pacific coast beaches (Rialto, Kalaloch, La Push) are at different times than Strait of Juan de Fuca tides (Salt Creek, Freshwater Bay, etc).
Check high tide times. Knowing when the high tides are coming up can keep your outing safe.
If hiking on the beach, carry a topographic map as some rocky headlands are impassable during higher tides.
Get weather reports. If it’s stormy, beware of high waves and surges.
Stay safe: Olympic National Park tips on tides are here.
Best tidepools
La Push, WA beaches: Second Beach, Third Beach and also Hole in the Wall- a hike from Rialto Beach
Tongue Point at Salt Creek Recreation Area near Port Angeles - considered the best in the state! Free day use parking.
