Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The Best Tide Pools in Lincoln City, OR | Explore Lincoln City
Wildlife & Marine Life

From the forests, to the ocean, to the sand and the sky, you can discover an amazing variety of native wildlife in Lincoln City.
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Tide Pools

When the Pacific recedes each day on Oregon's Coast, you’ll find tide pools where colorful miniature displays of ocean habitat dwell, waiting to be discovered.

Starfish the color of sunsets are neighbors to purple and green sea anemones and dark purple sea urchins in Lincoln City’s tide pools. A rush of colors envelops the rocky ocean shores, home to tiny darting fish and hermit crabs looking for a new home. These are a few of the amazing creatures you will discover in these small pockets of still saltwater.

The best time to visit the tide pools is during or just before low tide. Check the predicted tidal times before journeying forth.

Popular Tide Pool Spots on Oregon's Coast

Roads End – Some great tide pools can be found north of Roads End State Park, a corner of the coast that offers a gorgeous display of intertidal life. From the park, walk 1.25 miles north along the beach. This area of the beach is flat with stunning views of northern headlands—Cascade Head. These tide pools enjoyed are best at low tide.

NW 15th Street – The most accessible tide pools in Lincoln City are at the NW 15th Street beach access. These tide pools are located at the ocean edge, a straight shot from the beach access. There is ample street parking as well as a public parking lot nearby. Parking on the beach within a permitted area and time (October through April) is allowed—just keep an eye on ocean conditions before driving down.

Inn at Spanish Head – Nestled in front of this resort’s gorgeous ocean view, these tide pools are easy to find. Park at the 35th Street beach access and walk south until you reach the rocky formations in front of the hotel.

Explore tide pools in Lincoln City

Etiquette & Safety

Please be mindful when you explore tide pools.

Harvesting

Mussels thrive in the intertidal zones around Lincoln City’s tide pools—and mussels can be harvested for dinnertime. 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, which can be purchased from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and at the following locations in Lincoln City:

ODFW requires all mussel harvesters 12 years of age and older to carry a valid shellfish license on them. Before going out, check the local tide tables and the Shellfish Hotline website for any recent closures or updates.

Tide Pool Exploriences

Learn about the fascinating creatures living in our rocky intertidal pools from local experts at one of our free public Tide Pool Exploriences. Get hands-on and see what you can discover.

More to Explore

Beachcombing Treasure hunters can find agates, shells, sea creatures and, of course, our famous hand-blown glass floats hidden all along the beach.

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Family Friendly Activities in Lincoln City Pack your bags and head to the coast! Lincoln City has everything you need for a fun filled family vacation. With seven miles of oceanfront property to rent, your home base will be filled with sunsets, vast ocean views and serenity. When you rally the troops and head out to explore, here’s some of the best adventures you’ll find.

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