Palmer's Point + Coastal Access

Perhaps the best tide pooling location within Patrick's Point State Park is Palmer's Point. During low tides, a vast expanse of rocks is exposed and left with a shallow fill of water, the perfect conditions for exploring several different zones of the intertidal area. The splash and high zones are the uppermost zones that are inconsistently covered in water; this zone is hit by the splashing of waves during higher tides. Limpets and periwinkles cling to the rocks and wait for the incoming tide. Below the high and splash zones is the mid zone, where ochre sea stars can be found. Within in this zone and the low zone are typically where giant green Pacific anemone rest. In these zones the anemone are mostly covered in water throughout the day or at least kept moist by the splashing waves. The more mobile organisms such as nudibranchs are found in the low zone. At Palmer's Point there is a long low and mid zone to explore when tides are low. But be prepared to get your feet wet, and be sure not to step on any other critters!

A short and steep walk from the parking area leads past Palmer's Point, where views of the coast can be seen, and down to the rocky shore. Returning up to the parking area requires the ascent of a steep flight of dirt steps. Thankfully along the way up a few break spots with nice views can be found. At the parking area there are several picnic tables set on a grassy hill. On a warm sunny day these tables make for a great lunch location while overlooking the ocean. Palmer's Point also marks one of the ends of the Rim Trail, which travels around much of the coast in Patrick's Point State Park.