It’s Their Home. We’re Just Visiting
The rocks are alive, covered with mussels, barnacles, and more!
Follow these guidelines to keep yourself and the animals on our beaches safe.
Know the rules of the area: Many intertidal areas, such as Haystack Rock, are protected. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations governing the area you intend to explore before heading out.
The rocks are alive: To avoid stepping on living creatures, walk only on sand. Anemones, barnacles, mussels, snails, chitons, sea stars, and so much more live on the rocks and are highly sensitive to foot traffic. Repeated footsteps can cause loss of life and destruction of habitable space; help us preserve the rich biodiversity for all to enjoy.
Walk, don’t run: Tidepools are wet and slippery areas. Running and jumping can lead to accidental injury and may harm the delicate marine life beneath your feet
Avoid collecting or removing plants and animals: Everything within the tidepools has a purpose. Many intertidal areas, like Haystack Rock, are protected areas where collecting is prohibited.
Avoid harassing animals: Explore with your eyes and gently with your hands. Poking, prying, kicking, crushing, and collecting are considered harassment and can cause severe stress to this delicate ecosystem.
Turn over only small rocks: Only turn over rocks that are the size of your hand. When lifting, do so gently and slowly. Be sure to place the rock exactly how you found it to keep these spaces hospitable.
Give birds space: During low tide, many sea and shore birds take the opportunity to forage among the rocks. Please be considerate of their needs by giving the birds ample space.
Stay out of bird nesting areas: Many of the rocky islands and headlands on the Oregon Coast are key nesting areas for many species of sea and shorebirds - Haystack Rock is no exception. Help us keep seabird populations healthy by keeping these areas clear.
Keep pets on a leash: You’re welcome to bring your furry friend as long as they are on a leash. We love pets as much as we love our tidepool creatures; help us keep this a fun space for all animals.
Pack it in, pack it out: Please refrain from littering and make an effort to pick up debris whenever possible. Marine debris poses serious risks to wildlife, leading to choking, entanglement, and intestinal blockages. Let’s work together to preserve our ocean and beaches.
Do not feed the wildlife: Feeding wildlife can disturb their natural hunting and foraging patterns. Processed foods can be harmful to the health of wild animals. Please refrain from feeding birds and any other wildlife you encounter.