The Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shores. Our uniquely beautiful coastline is visited by millions of people each year and provides habitats to countless species of animals and plants. Twice a day at high tide, surging waves send cold seawater crashing onto the rocky cliffs and beaches to collect in pools in the rocks.
At low tide, the rocks might steam dry in the sun but the pools remain, havens for a variety of organisms. While some animals keep cool and wet in the tide pools, other trap moisture in watertight shells or crawl into the damp shade under rocks or beneath the broken leaves of bull kelp.
See below for a detailed look at the different parts of the ecosystem you can find in our gallery, and keep an eye out for their counterparts along the coast!
Want a look ahead or a second glance at the videos playing in the galleries? Check out all of our indoor galleries videos here!
