Watching the Tide Pools in Lincoln City, Oregon
The tide gradually recedes, leaving behind exposed rocks with many little pools of still salt water. In those pools many colorful, exotic creatures make their homes - starfish, sea anemones and urchins, and tiny fish. Children and adults alike can gaze in wonder at the tidepools, ocean habitats in miniature. There are several good areas to explore tidepools in the Lincoln City area. One of the best is near the Roads End Wayside, a corner of the coast which offers intertidal life that rivals Yaquina Head and Seal Rock. Starfish live side-by-side with sea anemones and sea urchins. The starfish are red, orange and pink; the sea anemones are a rich purple and green; and the sea urchins a rich, dark purple. Tiny fish dart among the shallows. Hermit crabs dart, much more quickly than the snails they resemble, from one shelter to another. Rocky residents like mussels and barnacles thrive in the intertidal zone. Mussels have a long, tapered dark blue to black shell. The vivid, orange flesh of the mussel is edible, and a prized delicacy in many parts of the world. You're allowed to harvest mussels but only with a license. Barnacles are small, and usually white, and cluster on rocks and pilings. If you wish to learn about the proper protection and enjoyment of intertidal life, consider a tide pooling exploration with Lee Gray, the Wild Gourmet, (541) 992-3798.
These are but a few of the many creatures that live in the tidepools. You can also enjoy the activity of the sea birds as they feed on the exposed bowls of wildlife. As always, take care when walking or climbing on the rocks. The sea growth on the rocks makes them very slippery, and a fall can be very serious. Also, check the tide tables so that you know you are exploring in a safe time. Many tidepoolers have become trapped on the rocks when high tide starts coming in - a particular danger if you're heading north from the Roads End Wayside. Another reason to be cautious when you're searching for wildlife is that it's their home too. Anemones, starfish and mussels all live in a delicate environment that is easily damaged; too much handling and destruction of barnacle growth can disturb their habitat.
Enjoy the beautiful creatures, but, aside from mussels and clams, take nothing live from the beach – it's against the law. Be careful, and enjoy safe tidepool exploring.
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