Tide Pools around Otter Rock and Northern Coast

We%26#39;ve travelled along the Oregon Coast a few times now and I am looking for different experiences for this upcoming trip in September. We%26#39;ll be doing a day trip up from Florence to Lincoln City before our return to Portland. Could some locals share some tips on where the best tide pools are and give me route specifics for accessing them. (I have a tide schedule already to help with timing our destinations.) Will be taking a lot of pictures so suggestions for interesting scenery is appreciated also. We%26#39;ve been to Punchbowl, Churn, Seal Rock, etc.--attractions that are on the map. Looking for the not-so-obvious sights this time. Thanks for all suggestions.

Tide Pools around Otter Rock and Northern Coast

About 17 miles north of Florence you will enter Neptune State Scenic Area (just south of Cape Perpetua). There are a total of 4 small parking lots with beach access. Each offers something a little different. The first one you will come to (heading north) will be Bob Creek. There are some nice pools just north across the creek. There are alos some nice agates on this beach. Just a 1/2 mile further north is Strawberry Hill. Not only are there some GREAT tide pools here, but you get the added bonus of a resident population of harbor seals!!

Next, and just another 1/2 mile north, is Cummins Creek (Signed as Neptune) and just a a few hundred yards beyond is Gwinn Creek. Both of these beaches have great tide pools as well and you can access both from the beach at low tide.

Tide Pools around Otter Rock and Northern Coast

Den great post. I will store that away. we have stopped in those places but never to check tide pools. I even Boy Scout camped at Cape Perpeuta and did not go there.

I stopped at these pools on one of my Oregon jaunts ... I remember that they were beautiful and unique and the location being really peaceful. I wish I%26#39;d seen the harbor seals ...

Thanks, Den, never explored there.

Thanks Dengay--I have not previously stopped at Neptune State Scenic Area so will be looking forward to discovering the pools there.

I second strawberry hill!!

Have you been to Yaquina Head? Yes, it%26#39;s an obvious location, but quite nice :-)

Yes, Yaquina Head has afforded some beautiful shots, especially from the Sea Lion Caves. The fun shot I took, however, was below the lighthouse where the freshwater enters the surf--the seagulls were having a ball bathing in the river while the crows looked on. Oregon is such a diverse and beautiful state to visit. Luckily, we have relatives there, so lots of opportunities to plan vacations on the west coast.

Another spot worth checking out, but does take a bit of time to fully appreciate, is the Historic 804 Trail, which is most easily accessed from Smelt Sands State Park on the north end of Yachats. From the gravel parking lot, walk west 100%26#39; then turn north. The 3/4 mile path follows along the top of the bluff where there is access to 20 or more small ';pocket beaches';

804 = front of Overleaf and Fireside lodges. Good idea.

rosacea