Explore at Low Tide

Many different species of algae live on park tide flats.

NPS Photo

The intertidal zone is a challenging place to live! Things at home on this part of the shore must be able to survive being underwater, in dry air, hot, cold, buffeted by waves, covered in salt, washed by fresh rainwater, and predated by both land and sea animals. Some animals, such as barnacles, avoid trouble by closing tightly when the tide goes out. Other animals, such as small fish, find shelter beneath rocks in pools. Life is often a balance between getting enough to eat and not being exposed to conditions too harsh to survive. For example, algaes (seaweeds) need sunlight to photosynthesize, so they need to be close to the surface where there is plenty of light, but if they are too high up on the shore, they will spend so much time out of the water during low tide that they dry out.

Wildlife in the intertidal zone are often organized in layers. Each layer is filled things that adapted to spend more or less time out of the ocean. Because the water in Sitka Sound changes by as much as 16 vertical feet between high and low tide, and there is a large, gently sloping delta at the mouth of Indian River, there are wide tidal flats to explore in the park. Close observation of intertidal life reveals a wide variety of survival strategies.

Sitkans take advantage of all that variety. Though harvesting is generally not allowed on park shores, many of the things you find there are edible. According to a Tlingit saying, "When the tide is out, the table is set."

Details

Duration

15 Minutes

Activity

Wildlife Watching

As you explore, notice patterns in where you find things. What colors, textures, and shapes are in each vertical layer? Examine seaweed closely for crustose corals, lacy bryozoans, small snails. Try to be very still and quiet as you wait by pools so that fish, crabs, and other fast-moving animals that darted into hiding come back out. If you are able to visit often, notice how intertidal life changes with the seasons.

Intertidal wildlife is durable, but not indestructible. Please remember to take care while exploring.

• Before exploring, wash your hands to remove any chemicals or germs that might harm marine life.
• Step lightly and do not wade into tidepools to avoid crushing fragile animals.
• Think twice before picking things up. Many tidepool animals get motion sick when handled. It is stressful for them.
• Never use noticeable force to pick things up.
• Replace anything you pick up exactly where you found it.

Mind your own safety, too! Rocks and algae are slippery, and if you fall you will likely land on something sharp. Remember to keep a safe distance from incoming waves.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed on trails that start at the visitor center, but not indoors. You must keep your pet on a leash that is no more than six feet long and dispose of your pet's waste in a trash can.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sitka National Historical Park tidal flats

Tide flats in front of the visitor center are easiest to reach.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Find operating hours and seasons on the park website.

Accessibility Information

Two accessible parking spaces are available in the visitor center parking lot. A paved trail with curb cuts leads to the visitor center from downtown Sitka. Accessible restrooms, a lowered water fountain, and an extended picnic table are available outside the visitor center. Routes to the intertidal zone vary, but most require stepping down a steep 3-4 foot bank and crossing loose cobbles.