When we arrived, there was plenty of ‘beach’ and within an hour and a half, there was hardly any sand left to be seen. Check out the tide pools and bring your camera to get the best shot of the giant rock. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to check the tide charts before visiting any of the beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. Ruby Beach: One of Washingtons Best Beaches (Full Guide). The 400mm zoom lens we purchased prior to our trip was finally being put to good use!Īs we started the walk back to our car, we came across more eagles in a nearby field.Īt this point, we had spent a good amount of time at Rialto exploring the tidepools and photographing the eagles, and it quickly became a race against the tide! We followed the shoreline to the tree-topped sea stacks and came upon an unbelievable amount of star fish (sea stars) and other sea urchins!Īnd just when we thought the wildlife couldn’t get any better, we spotted a pair of bald eagles on a nearby perch. She helps coordinate more than 200 volunteers and 25 beach naturalist staff who stroll Seattle beaches at certain low tides to help interpret whats in the tide pools. We had read that if you time your trip to Rialto Beach right, you will get to experience some of the most beautiful tidepools in the world! 'Life is beneath where you walk, everywhere on the beach,' says Strongin, field program lead for the aquarium. We set our alarms to wake up early in order to arrive at the beach during low tide. When we arrived, the sun was just barely starting to rise and the pastel colors of dawn created a pleasant glow on the rock formations. Peek under rocks and in the shallow waters to find starfish, sea urchins and crabs. Head out on low tide toward the north end of the beach for the best opportunity to spot marine wildlife.

Tide pools offer a rare glimpse into to another world that is usually hidden beneath the waves. Golden Gardens is a popular spot for all beach activities and an amazing area to explore tide pools. Walk through the piles of drift wood and gaze upon majestic sea stacks, as the salty breeze greets you. Mussels, urchins, crabs, anemones, sea stars, chitons, and so much more. 22 hours ago &0183 &32 Tide pools at Seal Rock State Recreation Area. WTA talks tide pool etiquette, provides tide information and suggests where to find the best tide pooling beaches in Washington. From neon green and orange anemones to plump maroon starfish alongside prickly urchins, Washington certainly boasts its fair share. Rialto Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Olympic Peninsula, and for good reason: it is gorgeous! It’s also one of the easiest beaches to access, unlike Second Beach, which requires close to a mile hike through a forest before reaching the shore (totally worth it, though!).Īt Rialto Beach, the parking lot is within a few steps of the sand and the views are immediately stunning! The Beauty of Rialto Beach Seattles 10 best beaches for exploring tide pools this summer. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.)

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