Tidepool Touch Tanks
Roll up your sleeves and touch marine animals in our tidepool tanks!
Gently pet fish, abalone and sea stars. Discover what happens when you stroke the sticky tentacles of a sea anemone. Friendly volunteers are on hand to answer questions and help visitors of all ages.
Public tidepool feedings occur on Fridays at 11:00am.
Who's in the tidepools?
Gastropods (Tank 1): snails, abalone, limpets and chiton (which are polyplacophorans)
Anemones (Tank 2): green and aggregated anemones, as well as sculpins for isopod control
Echinoderms (Tank 3): red, purple and green urchins, sea cucumbers, and skeleton shrimp
Nursery for developing animals (Tank 4): brittle stars, small urchins, scallops, and much more in minuscule form!
Here are tidepool etiquette tips to help everyone protect these special places.
Exploring Oregon's Coastal Tidepools
In this video, OSU Distinguished Professor and former NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco takes her grandchildren through a hands-on exploration of Oregon's spectacular tide pools. The video is a production of Oregon Field Guide.
Tidepools, Rocky Reefs, Marine Reserves: It's All Connected!
This video from Oregon State Parks provides a glimpse into the wonders found in Oregon's rocky reef tidepools and shows how they are all connected.