Tidepooling
If you are looking for exceptional tidepools, look no further- our entire "backyard" is the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve! The surrounding area is extra special thanks to Cape Perpetua (a shield volcano) erupting millions of years ago, creating the iconic rocky coastline that we see today. The marine reserve is loaded with an array of marine life, from sea stars and anemones, to nudibranch and feather duster worms, but before you get out to the pools, here are a few tips and some etiquette to make your trip extra awesome!
Tidepooling Tips-
-Always know what the tide is doing. Tidepools are easiest to view during low and minus tides.
-Watch your step! Always make sure to step on bare sand and rock, for the safety of the marine locals as well as yourself. Never walk on algae and kelp as they are super slick. Don't walk on animals, including mussel beds and creatures that may be trying to hide in the sand such as crabs.
-Never turn your back on the ocean. This rule is very common for good reason and always bears repeating, especially while tidepooling. Just because the tide is low, doesn't mean sneaker waves can't happen. Always make sure to be aware of the water, and that you can retreat somewhere safely and quickly if need be.
-One of the continual reminders from the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve is- NO TAKE. This is a great reminder to never take anything from the beach besides trash you've picked up, and agates. Everything else you may find in your adventures, needs to be left on the beach, as these areas and species are protected.
-Please don't pull, pry, or remove animals from rocks and their pools. Pulling and prying animals such as our local Ochre Stars off rocks, does a serious amount of damage to the animal, resulting in their sensitive tube feet being ripped off, leaving them even more vulnerable to predation or dying.
-Low and slow is the way to go! Moving slowly and mindfully around the rocky intertidal zone, will give you a better tidepooling experience. Patience, while moving quietly and slowly in these sensitive habitats will only benefit everyone, and you'll see a lot more too!
-You can touch the local marine life very gently, please make sure to just use a wet finger so as not to stress out the marine life. Do not poke any of them with sticks or other objects, and never stick anything in the central hole of the anemones. If you are carefully picking up something like a crab, keep it low to the ground just in case the animal falls.
-If you move something like a large rock or some kelp, make sure to put it back how you found it, as it's someones home.
-Bring an ID book or app like iNaturalist for identification help, or join one of Cape Perpetua's Tidepool Tours throughout the summer.
-Please leave the pets at home, again, these are very sensitive and protected areas/species.
-Take photos, bring a sketch book and draw or write what magic you're seeing, soak up the wonder!
Photographer and Author: Girl In Water Photography