Planning a trip?

Oregon's South Coast is your destination. Check out these wonderful Bay Area activities.

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51 Look up-close at marine life

Check out the unique marine biology and ecology of the South Coast of Oregon with a tour of local tidepools.

Sunset Bay and the South Cove of Cape Arago are great places to check out tidepools, and you can see a lot even if there isn't a particularly low tide. Sunset Bay is drive-up accessible, but there's more to see at the South Cove, which is reached via a steep path.

The rangers at Sunset Bay State Park offer interpretive tours during the summer months, as do students at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

There are all kind of plants and animals to be seen at low tide in the pools of saltwater left behind in rocky areas. It's a harsh environment for the plants and little critters surviving the crashing waves, blasting wind and baking sun.

Tidepools are best viewed at low tide. Those who visit the tidepools are asked to walk carefully on the tops of the rocks. Besides being slippery, it can harm the tidepool inhabitants. It's OK to lift an occasional rock to see what lives underneath, but be sure to replace the rock precisely as you found it.

Tide-poolers also should not ignore the ocean and be aware of sneaker waves.
To get to Sunset Bay, from Charleston travel south on Cape Arago Highway for about 3.5 miles. The south cove of Cape Arago is approximately two miles further south on Cape Arago Highway. More information is available by calling 888-4902 or (800) 551-6949.
50 Pick a pool to swim 52 Get an eye and ear full
 

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