As the tides go in and out, sea life constantly adapts. Visit Rialto Beach or Second Beach on the Olympic Peninsula while the tide is out, and you’ll find seawater trapped in tide pools. Prepare for the greatest reward—these pools are teeming with life, from anemones to starfish to colorful algae.
Hole-in-the-Wall is a short hike from Rialto Beach.
A giant green anemone is visible during low tide.
A man hikes over rocks on Rialto Beach.
Starfish at low tide on Second Beach.
Bridget Ideker of Tacoma and Julia Gervais from Minnesota explore tide pools at Second Beach.
The Second Beach Trail at dawn.
Gooseneck barnacles at Second Beach.
Acorn and Gooseneck barnacles and mussels.
