The Rosario Tide Pools are the most popular field trip site in the park and with good reason. A treasure chest of aquatic wonders is revealed during low tides: crabs, sea stars, anemonies, chitons, algae, and a whole lot more. The tide pools are an excellent outdoor classroom. Additionally, there is now an indoor classroom adjacent to the tidepools equiped with microscopes and other educational tools. Please contact Interpretive Services if you are interested in using the Rosario Classroom during your visit.
The Rosario Story
On May 16, 1995, during a -3.2 tide, 29 school buses, numerous vans and vehicles, carrying an estimated 1,200 people came to visit the Rosario Tide pools. At the end of the day, the rocky tide pools looked like a barren moonscape due to the extensive trampling. Rangers and volunteers collected approximately 15 gallons of dead algae. They gathered approximately 20 gallons of dead invertebrates. The tide pools are still recovering.
A reservation is required for group visits and field trips. Without support provided by the Foundation, Deception Pass would not have the staffing to keep the tide pools open for groups and school visits. For this reason, a donation of $2 is requested for each student/attendee.
For scheduling please contact Deception Pass Interpretive Services at (360) 675-3767 ext. 31 or sam.wotipka@parks.wa.gov. Click here to view tide tables for Deception Pass (the tide pools are best viewed at a -2 or lower).
Tide Pool Prep Materials:
