The Oregon Coast is a scenic wonderland, famous for its rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. But if you ask us, the real magic happens when the tide goes out. That’s when the coastline reveals its secret: tide pools teeming with colorful marine life, waiting to be explored.
And after years of travel and full-time RVing along the coast, we believe the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast are at Seal Rock State Recreation Site. Here’s why this underrated gem should be on your Oregon road trip itinerary.
- Where Is Seal Rock?
- Why Seal Rock Tide Pools Are the Best on the Oregon Coast
- What You’ll See in Seal Rock Tide Pools
- Best Time to Visit: Low Tide Tips
- How to Explore Tide Pools Responsibly
- Safety First: Beware of Sneaker Waves
- Other Things to See and Do on the Oregon Coast
- RV-Friendly Places to Stay Near Seal Rock
- Other Tide Pooling Hotspots on the Oregon Coast
- Final Thoughts
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Where Is Seal Rock?
Seal Rock is located just south of Newport, Oregon, along the iconic U.S. Highway 101. It’s part of the Seal Rock State Recreation Site, and it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding tide pool spots anywhere on the coast.
Location tip: There’s a small parking lot off Highway 101 and a short, steep path leading to the beach. The trail is well-maintained, but good shoes are a must.
Why Seal Rock Tide Pools Are the Best on the Oregon Coast
At Seal Rock, massive offshore rock formations protect the shoreline from heavy surf, creating ideal conditions for exploring vibrant tide pools safely. The moment you reach the bottom of the trail and spot the jagged rocks and shallow pools, you’ll know you’re in for something special.
During our visit, we had the entire beach to ourselves—just a few footprints in the sand. It was the perfect socially distant nature escape. We wandered for hours, peeking into tide pools, spotting sea stars and anemones, and watching seabirds hunt for their next meal.
Wildlife highlight: We even caught a gull snatching a crab and flying off with it. It’s nature, raw and unscripted.
Heads-up: Watch Your Step
Lisa had a slip on a patch of seaweed and ended up backward in a tide pool—camera and iPhone in hand. Unfortunately, neither of the electronics survived. Moral of the story: watch your footing and protect your gear in waterproof bags or cases.
What You’ll See in Seal Rock Tide Pools
Seal Rock is home to an incredible variety of marine life. Here’s what you might find when exploring during low tide:
- Sea stars
- Anemones
- Urchins
- Hermit crabs
- Snails and mussels
- Barnacles
- Sand shrimp
- Octopuses (rare, but yes, they’re there!)
- Rockweed, kelp, and sea lettuce
Look up and around, too—harbor seals, sea lions, and seabirds like gulls and oystercatchers are common. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a humpback whale migrating along the coast.
Best Time to Visit: Low Tide Tips
To see the tide pools at their best, timing is everything. Aim to arrive about an hour before low tide and stay through the slack tide (the calm period at the lowest point). You’ll want a good tidal chart to help plan your visit—try Tide-Forecast.com or use the Tides app on your smartphone.
Pro Tip: Spring tides—especially during new or full moons—offer the best tide pool visibility.
How to Explore Tide Pools Responsibly
Tide pools are delicate ecosystems. Please follow Leave No Trace principles to protect these amazing marine habitats for future generations.
- Tread lightly: Stick to bare rock or sand when walking. Avoid stepping on barnacles, mussels, or clumps of seaweed.
- Be gentle: If you touch sea life, do so gently. Don’t pry animals off rocks—they will die if removed.
- Don’t take souvenirs: Leave shells, rocks, and creatures where you find them.
- Supervise children and pets: Sharp rocks can cut paws or bare feet, and slippery areas can be hazardous.
Safety First: Beware of Sneaker Waves
Even during low tide, sneaker waves can appear out of nowhere and sweep across the beach. Never turn your back on the ocean, and keep kids and pets close. Assume any wave could reach you—because it might.
Also, avoid climbing on or standing under overhanging cliffs. Coastal erosion is a real danger, and collapses do happen.
Other Things to See and Do on the Oregon Coast
RV-Friendly Places to Stay Near Seal Rock
While Seal Rock State Recreation Site doesn’t offer overnight camping, there are several excellent RV parks and campgrounds nearby:
- Thousand Trails South Jetty – Farther south in Florence, part of the Trails Collection.
- Beachside State Recreation Site – Just 3 miles south, with oceanfront sites.
- South Beach State Park – In nearby Newport, with full hookups and trails.
Using RV LIFE Trip Wizard helped us map this whole stretch of the coast with ease.
Other Tide Pooling Hotspots on the Oregon Coast
While Seal Rock is our top pick, the Oregon Coast is loaded with other great tide pool spots:
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Newport
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – Yachats
- Shore Acres State Park – Near Coos Bay
- Hug Point – North of Cannon Beach
- Cape Kiwanda – Pacific City
Each offers a unique experience with its own layout, marine life, and scenery.
Final Thoughts
Tide pooling at Seal Rock State Recreation Site is one of the most rewarding coastal experiences we’ve had in all our years of RVing and exploring. From sea stars to seals to the chance of seeing a migrating whale, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s hidden underwater world.
So pack your waterproof boots, grab your camera (in a dry bag, seriously), and get out there during low tide. You won’t be disappointed.
Have a favorite tide pool on the Oregon Coast? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear about it.
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