Hike and explore tidepools at the south beach of Cape Lookout State Park on August 16, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. This event is part of a month-long, statewide rocky habitat BioSurvey hosted by Oregon Shores, Seven Capes Bird Alliance, Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD), and WEBS.
Cape Lookout by Steve Griffiths
Get a workout on this moderately difficult four-mile hike, make friends, and learn more about nearshore and intertidal life while we identify species and enter data into the iNaturalist database. Oregon Shores’ Community Science and Education Specialist, Denise Harrington, will lead the outing. She and other experts will be available to help with species identification and share natural history of the area.
A BioSurvey is like a wildlife scavenger hunt. People gather to observe and document the plants and animals occurring in a single area. We observe but do not disturb. South Beach Cape Lookout has boulder tidepools teeming with biodiversity. Experts will be on hand to help identify; participants only need enthusiasm, a smartphone, and footwear to wade in shallow intertidal waters.
Oregon’s iconic rocky habitats, including those at Cape Lookout, account for approximately 41% of the state’s 362-mile coastline. Rocky habitats encompass dramatic headlands, offshore islands, sea stacks, submerged reefs, and biodiverse tidepools. Managed under the state's comprehensive framework, these biologically vital areas support over a million nesting seabirds, underwater kelp forests, and extensive marine life. Cape Lookout’s nearshore habitats were recently designated as a Marine Conservation Area (MCA).
By participating in this BioSurvey, you are contributing to coastal science. Your data inform the management of species and their habitats by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and OPRD. You contribute to the community stewardship that protects this MCA.
The group will meet at 8 a.m. at the Cape Lookout trailhead parking lot. There is a $10 daily or $60 annual parking pass required that supports Oregon State Parks. Parking passes are also available free of charge at the Tillamook County Public Library. While Cape Lookout State Park is currently closed, the parking lot and south trail remain open.
This event is free, but registration is required. Dress for the weather; we go rain or shine. It can be foggy and cool at Cape Lookout even when other coastal areas are sunny. Wear footwear suitable for trail hiking and bring along rubber boots or wading shoes. Pack a lunch and remember to bring water. This is a family-friendly event. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us and contribute to coastal conservation!