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.

Feeding time in the tidepool tanks - Tuesdays, at 11 a.m.

 

Who's in the tide pools?

Our tidepool touch tanks reflect the marine environment found along our coast. Below is a list of animals you will see in our different tide pool tanks.

  • Gastropods (touch tank 1): snails, abalone, limpets and chiton (which are polyplacophorans)
  • Anemones (touch tank 2): green and aggregated anemones, as well as sculpins for isopod control
  • Echinoderms (touch tank 3): red, purple and green urchins, sea cucumbers, and skeleton shrimp
  • Nursery for small, developing animals (touch tank 4): brittle stars, small urchins, scallops, and much more in minuscule form!
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.

Tidepool etiquette tips are included to help everyone protect these special places.

Exploring Oregon's Coastal Tidepools

 

Consider visiting one of the many tidepools found along our coast. 

In this video, Oregon State University 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, a program of OPB.