Tidepool Time!
Come along on a tour of the Tillamook Coast’s top tidepool spots! From north to south, we’ll share which ones are our favorites and offer some helpful tips for each site.
Here’s a map with key locations highlighted in purple.
Before you go, make sure you’ve read up on tidepool etiquette and taken a crash course on tidepool creatures that can be found on the Oregon Coast. Then, check the tide charts and start to plan your journey. Be sure to review the Oregon State Parks website for any closures or alerts beforehand. You’ll be ready for a Tillamook Coast tidepool adventure in no time!
Timing is Everything
Tidepools are accessible at low tide, ideally during a “minus tide” or negative tide listing in the tide chart. The bigger the negative tide, the farther out the ocean recedes, giving you more time and space to explore.
Time your visit for 1-2 hours before low tide. Account for travel and hiking time to reach the tidepools.
The best time of year for tidepooling is spring and early summer, when the Tillamook Coast experiences early morning minus tides. You can still get lucky with tidepools in the late summer or early fall, but winter tidepooling generally isn’t recommended. Even at low tide, the winter surf can surge unexpectedly, and sneaker waves are more common.
Tidepool Tour, North to South
Short Sands Beach, Oswald West State Park
What We Love:
- A hike through a temperate rainforest leads to a sheltered cove
- Wide variety of tidepool species
- Beach waterfall!
Good to Know:
- Oregon State Parks day-use pass or annual pass required for parking
- Tidepools require .5-mile hike, then additional walking on beach to reach tidepools
- Camping is not allowed at Oswald West State Park
Barview Jetty, Barview Jetty County Campground
What We Love:
- Two distinct tidepool environments – along the jetty wall (west tidepools) and overflow pools along the edge of the jetty (east tidepools)
- Very accessible tidepools, especially on the west side facing the beach. You’ll find sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs, hermit crabs, and more
- East tidepools are great for finding crabs, sculpin, and other fish
Good to Know:
- Tillamook County Parks day-use fee required (purchase onsite or purchase annual pass online)
- Barview Jetty also offers tent and RV camping, and has cabins for rent
To note: While tempting to visit, we recommend you skip Three Graces Sea Stacks near Barview Jetty County Campground. While the Three Graces sea stacks are beautiful, they’re best enjoyed from a distance. Accessing this location requires crossing active train tracks, which can be dangerous! The terrain is rocky and lacks safe surface area for walking. Believe me—tidepool life here is fairly limited—it mostly consists of barnacles. Nearby locations offer more diverse habitats, a greater variety of marine life—and a safer, more enjoyable tidepooling experience!
Short Beach, near Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
What We Love:
- Tucked-away access leads to a magical beach with large rocks and a waterfall
- Good variety of species clinging to rocks and filling shoreline pools
Good to Know:
- Access requires a steep trail down with lots of steps
- Shoulder parking only, no fee required, but it fills up quickly
Oceanside Beach, Oceanside State Recreation Site
What We Love:
- The “crown jewel” of Tillamook Coast tidepools
- Accessible by a short (10+ minute) walk north around the point
- Great biodiversity, with sea stars everywhere
- A unique tunnel carved into the rock provides a fun return route to the parking lot
Good to Know:
- Oregon State Parks day-use pass or annual pass required for parking
- Parking lot fills up fast
- Watch your timing and the tides – it’s easy to explore all day here
Cape Lookout (South Side), Cape Lookout State Park
What We Love:
- A wide variety of tidepool species
- More remote location makes for a less crowded experience
Good to Know:
- Access requires a 1.8 mile hike down to beach, and return hike gaining 800+ feet of elevation
- Rocky, slippery conditions, best suited for experienced and adventurous tidepoolers
- Oregon State Parks day-use pass or annual pass required at parking lot
Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City Beach
What We Love:
- Tidepooling at the base of the massive Cape Kiwanda sand dune
- Short walk north along the beach, easy to access tidepools
- Climb the dune after tidepooling!
Good to Know:
- Tillamook County Parks day use fee required (pay onsite or purchase annual pass online)
- Beach is an active launch site for dory boats
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Categories: "Best of" Lists, Beaches & Coves, Outdoor Activities, Tillamook Coast, Wildlife Viewing
