Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In a more urban setting, Vaux's swifts put on an unforgettable show every September
in northwest Portland, when up to 35,000 individuals (the largest congregation in the
world) spiral down Chapman school's old chimney to roost for the night. The event has
become a popular local attraction, and hundreds of people take blankets and snacks to
watch the phenomenon occur at sunset. See http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/
swiftwatch .
TOP TIDE POOLS
Who doesn't like exploring tide pools? These miniature, fun-filled ecosystems are
home to pretty starfish, colorful anemones, prickly sea urchins and secretive aba-
lone. You can see hermit crabs scuttling about, small fishes darting around and
mussels snapping shut. One or two hours before low tide is the best time for tide
pooling; this gives you some time to explore before the tide comes back in.
Some words of warning, however: be aware of incoming tides and never get so
absorbed in watching tide pools that you forget about the ocean. Sneaker waves
are a serious danger and have swept away unwary beachgoers. Also, don't remove
anything from a tide pool (it could be illegal!), and remember to watch where you
step - hundreds of little lives will thank you.
Some exceptional places in the Pacific Northwest for exploring tide pools:
HHaysttack R
, ORLots of critters in the pools, and there are often
docents to explain what you're seeing. Also, keep a lookout for puffins.
Yaquin
ck Rocck, C
, Cannon B
n Beacch, OR
, ORFabulous pools, and rangers often
guide tours to them. These tide pools are actually an old abandoned rock quarry.
Yacchatts, OR
quina He
a Head O
d Ouutsttandin
ding Na
g Nattuure A
e Arrea, OR
, ORA couple miles of rocky shore to explore, all along the town. Also head
south toward Florence and look for potential tide pools, as there are many in the
area.
Rialt
, WAHead less than a mile north of the parking
area, through 'Hole-in-the-Wall' (a hole in a rock) and seek out the tide pools. A
beautiful, rugged beach, too.
Beach 4 n
ialto B
o Beacch, Oly
, Olympic Na
ic Nattiional P
al Parrk, W
, WAGreat tide pools, and large
sandstone rocks with starfish and anemones clinging to their bases at low tide.
Rangers here give nature talks, too.
Bottaniical B
ch 4 near K
r Kalalo
alalocch, Oly
, Olympic Na
ic Nattiional P
al Parrk, W
d, BCHost to one of
the richest tidal zones on the West Coast. Granite and sandstone rocks shelter
pools and their inhabitants.
al Beacch, J
, Juuan de F
n de Fuuca P
a Prroviincial P
ial Parrk, V
, Vancouuver Isla
r Island, B
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