2026 Low Tide Beach Walk Schedule

by Gail Wellenstein, Kitsap Beach Naturalist

Bring your rubber boots and your curiosity to the beach this summer! Kitsap beach naturalists offer summer low tide explorations and two of our resident Port Ludlow naturalists will be leading beach walks at Shine Tidelands State Park and Saltair Beach Park this summer. Both beaches are home to a diverse group of kelp and animals. Experience an array of crab species, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. If we are lucky, we may even find the elusive and fascinating plainfin midshipman, the famous humming Casanova.

The beach at Shine Tidelands State Park is a favorite haunt of the amazing, carnivorous and very large moon snail, as well as the delicate sand dollar. The beach at Saltair Beach Park in Kingston is inhabited by the piddock clam, which entertains crowds with its siphon system and delights children who can actually witness a clam pooping.

Gather up your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors; pack the sunscreen, hat, and windbreaker; and join us at the beach.

Shine Tidelands State Park – Termination Point Road. The schedule for this beach is:

·      Monday, May 18, noon – 1:30 p.m.

·      Monday, June 15, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

·      Tuesday, July 14,  10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

·      Tuesday, August 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Saltair Beach Park – 25955 Washington Blvd NE (next to ferry waiting area). The schedule for this beach is:

·      Tuesday, May 19, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

·      Tuesday, June 16, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

·      Wednesday, July 15,  11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Kingston Library will be there)

·      Wednesday, August 12, 10:30 a.m. – noon