![]() ![]() Many of the public beaches along the Hood Canal are open for sport harvesting of clams and oysters. There, you’ll discover opportunities for clam digging and oyster picking. If you have an appetite for fresh shellfish, center your beach experiences along the Hood Canal. Sea glass aficionados will want to visit Glass Beach near Port Townsend at North Beach, where you may find an array of sea glass, porcelain and pottery shards, and sometimes even agates. Discover what decades of beachcombing can reveal by exploring John’s Beachcombing Museum in Forks, a one-of-kind museum full of endless maritime treasures. What could be better than a long stretch of sandy beach, the sound of waves lapping the shore, and deep breaths of salty coastal air? You never know what secrets of the sea you may encounter. Always check the tide tables before you set out, and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the lowest tide.įor many, a leisurely day of beachcombing is just the prescription for recharging after a hectic week. Popular tidepool spots on the Olympic Peninsula include Salt Creek Recreation Area on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Rialto Beach near La Push, and Ruby and Kalaloch Beaches south of Forks. Tidepools are a microcosm of the ocean, and you can find sea stars, rock crabs, sea anemones, barnacles, clams and more. Each provides exhibits, programs, touch tanks and knowledgeable docents ready to share their love of our local marine life.Īrmed with your new knowledge, do some tidepooling “in the wild.” Though accessible all year long, the best time of year for tidepools is March through September. To learn more about the Salish Sea, its marine animals and their habitats, check out the Port Townsend Marine Science Center at Fort Worden State Park or the Feiro Marine Life Center at the Port Angeles City Pier. Depending on the time of year, you may see orcas, humpback, minke or gray whales, as well as magnificent wildlife like Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, seals, bald eagles and sea birds. Additionally, daily whale watching tours leave from both Port Angeles and Port Townsend, plying the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Olympic Coast is part of the Whale Trail and offers many places along the shoreline to observe whales during their seasonal migration (April-May and October-November). If you’re a beach enthusiast, you’ll love the endless opportunities to explore the shore, from wide sandy beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Dungeness Spit-the longest sand spit in the US-and the Pacific Ocean’s rugged, wild beaches with their memorable sea stacks. From large humpback whales to small delicate sea anemones, see many awe-inspiring creatures on the Olympic Peninsula. Now is the perfect time to take a road trip and discover Northwest Washington’s stunning coastal beaches and fascinating marine life. ![]() Photo Courtesy of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |