Explore the Shore
What Will You Discover?
Ever wondered what it’s like to hold a tiny ocean crab in the palm of your hand? Find out at Owen Beach in Tacoma’s beautiful Point Defiance Park!
Join our beach walk naturalists and stroll along the beach at low tide to learn about the animals that live there. Explore the Shore is a fun and exciting opportunity to learn about the biological diversity of our local beaches.
Explore The Details
- Saturday May 16: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Wednesday June 17: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday July 14: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday August 12: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can Explore the Shore?
We recommend this walk for ages 5 and up. For the great adventurers, you may walk up to 1.5 miles round trip from Owen Beach south to the Boat House and back. The length of your adventure depends on you. Due to the nature of this project, we cannot accommodate groups above 20 individuals. Please contact us for more information. [email protected]
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Do I need to know anything about beach life?
Nope! These walks are great for all knowledge levels. Trained naturalists will help you find, identify, and learn about animals that call the beaches their home. If you want to check out some animals you might see in advance, download the field guide beforehand. You can also participate in Community Science by using the iNatrialist app alongside our naturalist. With this easy to download app you can record animals and plants you see on the beach sharing these observations with the scientific community and helping to record changes in our environment.
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What should I bring?
Come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are recommended for walking on a rocky beach with lots of barnacles. Strollers are not recommended on the beach due to the rocky terrain, but there is a promenade pathway nearby for participants who don’t need to be directly at the water’s edge.
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How do I sign up? How much does it cost?
Explore the Shore is FREE. No RSVP is needed. Meet on the beach near the Owen Beach parking lot in Point Defiance Park and register at the event tent. Please check-in at the event tent to get your free field guide, a brief introduction of the animals that call the shores their home, tips on finding them, and how to keep them and their home safe while exploring.
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When do I check in?
- During the scheduled times listed above, before heading down to the Owen Beach shoreline, please stop at the event tent near the kayak ramp. At the tent, a naturalist will greet you! They will share a brief introduction to the creatures that call the shores their home and how we might keep them and us safe while exploring. This is a go-at-your-own-pace exploration! We will have a naturalist on the beach during the posted times to help you explore, find, and identify the wonders and creatures that lie just beneath the water’s edge.
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How do I become a Beach Walk Naturalist Volunteer?
- We recruit volunteers each year from February to May.Beach Walk Naturalist Volunteer opportunities are open to everyone over the age of 14 and are great for family volunteering. Adult supervision may be required for participants under 18 on certain projects. If you’re interested in becoming a beach naturalist and engaging participants in the types of animals and plants, beach stewardship, and community science, learn more here: Community Science Volunteer. Or contact us at [email protected].
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools
Bring your family to explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist will guide low-tide beach exploration.
- Meet at Titlow Beach
- This is a free event; no registration is required
- Wear shoes to protect your feet from the rocky beach, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen
Tiptoe through the Tidepools Dates & Times:
- Sunday May 17: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday June 14: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Monday July 13: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Take The Pledge!
Sign the Explore the Shore Pledge to remind yourself to trek the tidepools responsibly.