Tongue Point

If you are traveling along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway on the Olympic Peninsula, a short detour to Tongue Point is a must. This beautiful point lies within the Salt Creek Recreation Area and just north of the Salt Creek Recreation Area Campground, forming the eastern edge of Crescent Bay. From the campground, east and west staircases lead down to the rocky shoreline; the westernmost staircase leads directly out to Tongue Point, and the east staircase leads by an old bunker that remains from the point's days as a World War II military camp. To fully take advantage of this remarkable area, be sure to visit at or near low tide as much of the rocky point becomes covered with higher tides.

Of course, this means the area is also prime habitat for tide pools, and the sea life that you can discover as you walk around the point is incredible. Much of the area that disappears at high tide is actually designated and protected as the Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary. You'll see heaps of anemones, crabs, snails, and sea cucumbers in addition to the mussels, barnacles, and sea stars that adorn the rocks. Looking southwest from the point you'll notice a giant unnamed rock that is an iconic feature of the point and of Crescent Beach. As the tide comes in, the strait's rising water makes an island of the treed rock, creating a superb view as you walk Crescent Beach south toward the mouth of Salt Creek.

Continue west on the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway to Murdock Beach for more stunning views of the strait.

Tide Pool Safety and Etiquette

Respectful and cautious behavior in and around tide pools will keep you safe and protect the fragile wildlife for generations to come. Be sure to follow these rules of thumb:

• Particularly during returning tide, be careful and keep an eye out for "sneaker waves."
• Only step on dry, bare rocks and sand. Seaweed and/or algae can be extremely slippery.
• Do not step on any marine life, barnacles or mussel clusters.
• Touch marine life only very gently. Do not pull, prod, poke or tear at any species.