Mysteries at the Edge of the Ocean
Published: 06/27/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019

You never know what you will find in the intertidal areas. It was a big surprise to see this three-foot skate hanging out in the tide pools at Cape Arago State Park.
Photo by Gary Hayes
What will you discover in the rich and vibrant ecosystem of tide pools?
Everyone recognizes the stunning beauty of the Northwest Coast with its scenic beaches, panoramic vistas and dramatic landscapes, but for those who pause and look a little closer, the secrets of rich and vibrant ecosystems lurk just below the surface. Remarkable natural wonders reveal themselves if you're willing to slow down, look closely and learn about this mysterious world at the edge of the ocean. The low tides of summer offer the best opportunities to look for the interesting creatures that inhabit the intertidal zone. If you take the time, who knows what surprises you'll discover? Each visit to the intertidal area at low tide can offer exciting discoveries. Even the casual observer will find common ochre sea stars in an array of colors and green anemones that look like flowers from another planet. Also obvious may be a wide variety of shelled creatures including snails, chitons and limpets. You may see a snail shell scurry off to the shadows of a pool, the sign of a hermit crab that has claimed a discarded shell as its temporary home. Look closer and you may find more exotic varieties of sea stars such as the sunflower star that can grow to the size of a large pizza pan with more than 20 legs. You may start to see varieties of sea slugs known as nudibranchs that can be found in a rainbow of bold and startling colors. In some intertidal areas purple spiked urchins, the size of softballs, fill the pools and crevices. Like Nature's "grab bag," you never know what you might get. On one visit I was surprised to find an octopus and another time a three-foot skate. Tread carefully in these fragile areas. Walk only on sand and bare rock to avoid destroying the life here and never remove any creature from its home. Take the time and look closely. What will you discover?
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Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
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Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
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The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.
Published: 06/27/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019

You never know what you will find in the intertidal areas. It was a big surprise to see this three-foot skate hanging out in the tide pools at Cape Arago State Park.
Photo by Gary Hayes
What will you discover in the rich and vibrant ecosystem of tide pools?
Everyone recognizes the stunning beauty of the Northwest Coast with its scenic beaches, panoramic vistas and dramatic landscapes, but for those who pause and look a little closer, the secrets of rich and vibrant ecosystems lurk just below the surface. Remarkable natural wonders reveal themselves if you're willing to slow down, look closely and learn about this mysterious world at the edge of the ocean. The low tides of summer offer the best opportunities to look for the interesting creatures that inhabit the intertidal zone. If you take the time, who knows what surprises you'll discover? Each visit to the intertidal area at low tide can offer exciting discoveries. Even the casual observer will find common ochre sea stars in an array of colors and green anemones that look like flowers from another planet. Also obvious may be a wide variety of shelled creatures including snails, chitons and limpets. You may see a snail shell scurry off to the shadows of a pool, the sign of a hermit crab that has claimed a discarded shell as its temporary home. Look closer and you may find more exotic varieties of sea stars such as the sunflower star that can grow to the size of a large pizza pan with more than 20 legs. You may start to see varieties of sea slugs known as nudibranchs that can be found in a rainbow of bold and startling colors. In some intertidal areas purple spiked urchins, the size of softballs, fill the pools and crevices. Like Nature's "grab bag," you never know what you might get. On one visit I was surprised to find an octopus and another time a three-foot skate. Tread carefully in these fragile areas. Walk only on sand and bare rock to avoid destroying the life here and never remove any creature from its home. Take the time and look closely. What will you discover?
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint offers spectacular exploring opportunities. Located about ten miles west of Tillamook at the north end of the Three Capes... [read more]
Fort Clatsop offers guided tours and historical demonstrations representing Lewis & Clark's discoveries on the coast. Explore a replica of the historical 1805... [read more]
With Haystack Rock, long sandy stretches of beach and beautiful State Parks just minutes away, Cannon Beach can offer the perfect scenic Oregon Coast... [read more]
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Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Located in the jail from The Goonies, explore the production of more than 300 movies made in Oregon.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Sample Cannon Beach’s award winning Puffin wines. Enjoy with a cheese or charcuterie board.
Seaside Activities & Attractions
Harbor seals greet visitors at the door, explore touch-me tanks and learn about tidepool creatures.